When emotions run high about any public issue, misinformation can spread like wildfire. The effects of natural gas drilling on the environment have dominated the headlines, especially in the communities surrounding these sites.

For this reason, the Unconventional Gas industry is making significant strides in communicating effectively, and implementing proactive initiatives to show its commitment to protecting the environment and local communities.

Several resources provide information to support the drilling and production of natural gas.

• www.anga.us
• www.energyfromshale.org
• www.oilshaleassoc.org
• www.marcelluscoalition.org
• www.ngsa.org
• www.naturalgas.org

FEI's expansive inventory of equipment and supplies is a direct result of its dedication to customer service. Listening to customer needs ensures FEI will stay on top of the most advanced technology.

Air>Air Pressure

Extech Differential Pressure Manometer

Air>Helium & Hydrogen Detectors

Ion Science GasCheck G3 Helium Leak Detector

Water>Water Level Meters

Solinst WLM Model 101 w/P7 Probe Sale

Supplies & Safety

Pelican Storm Cases (new models added) 

Another customer service initiative intended to reduce costs has been launched--the long-term lease.

Customers whose projects require rentals for a year or longer can lease FEI's equipment. This includes use of the equipment, as well as the technical and service support typically needed when equipment is in use over a long period of time.

Ask your customer service representatives for details.

Because customer service is FEI's  number one priority, the company positioned its offices strategically to ensure a high level of project support.

FEI offices, located in these metropolitan areas, offer free local delivery:

• Pittsburgh, PA
• Kansas City, KS
• Philadelphia, PA
• Atlanta, GA
• Houston, TX
• Los Angeles, CA

FEI covers nearly all of the United States within one- and two-day ground, and the entire country within three days. 

When you need your equipment fast, FEI is here to help. We will do what we can to accommodate your requirements.

Trust is critical to establishing a solid foundation in every relationship and at no time has this been more apparent in the Unconventional Gas industry than now. Concerns over the environment continue to grow. Debates on a variety of topics at local and national levels rage on. The hot button issues are even more likely to occupy editorial headlines during this election year.

Hydraulic fracturing and unconventional gas issues are front and center for communities, activists and industry advocates. While several shale plays exist in many parts of the United States, the Marcellus formation seems to be the most talked about in recent months.

The Marcellus Shale play presents the greatest economic opportunity that Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New York and Ohio have seen in decades. But the communities that stand to benefit are voicing distrust of the process and concern over the environment. The public generally believes the industry is more concerned about the bottom line than the environment, communities and employees.

Interestingly, everyone actually agrees: this "new" resource needs to be utilized with the greatest care. So how can we bridge the gap between public perception and the true commitment of energy companies to all stakeholders?

Proactive companies are taking the necessary steps to protect everyone concerned. They are deploying the latest technology to collect real-time field data on the air, water, noise, dust and weather at project sites. Data collection and measurement provide the data sets upon which evaluations are made, a better understanding of impact can be developed and trust can be built.

Building confidence in the site planning, development, production and restoration processes also requires clear communication. The article to the left highlights a few resources made available to the public.

Just as everyone is relying on energy companies and consultants for environmentally safe practices, these businesses look to FEI for support when they need instruments, meters and equipment to monitor the air, water and soil at their project sites and the surroundings.

This level of trust wasn't earned overnight. FEI has consistently outperformed its competitors in supplying rental equipment, service and supplies to its customers. Being reliable is how we've built trust with our customers. They know we'll go the extra mile to help them achieve their goals. 

The bottom line for FEI, its customers, and any business is that we must earn the confidence of those who rely on us.

Featured Equipment: Built to SPEC

When customers look for a full lifecycle solution for their most complex project challenges, FEI's Built to SPEC program delivers the answers by offering hands-on assistance at several project phases.

FEI's Special Projects Engineers and Consultants (SPEC) team evaluates project requirements, proposes equipment plans and assists with training and installation to provide a comprehensive solution.

SPEC team support simply starts with a phone call. Tell us what you need and we'll work with you on a flexible solution that meets your specific requirements. 

Collaborate with the FEI Built to SPEC team to:

• Greatly reduce costs of collecting and securing field data.
• Capitalize on the latest remote monitoring instruments, data management tools and power alternatives.
• Save time deploying the system and maintaining the equipment with installation assistance, training and 24-hour tech support.
• Get real-time access to data from anywhere in the world through a custom web user interface.
• Eliminate risk of data loss with a wireless gateway and secure, remote servers.
• Learn of any system issues immediately with on-site and remote alerts.
• Review custom reports rather than wasting time culling through raw data.
• Continue collecting data and stay on schedule with a self-healing mesh network.
• Accelerate system engineering by taking advantage of FEI's proven expertise.

Systems deployed include the most recognized names in the direct-read field equipment industry coupled with the latest in wireless data capture, collection and management. A few of the most sought-after features include:

• Power Solutions: direct, battery, solar, wind
• Communications Options: wireless, satellite, wireless, RF two-way radio
• Notification, Alarms: visual, audible, text, email, phone
• Data Management: real-time capture and observation, multiple-party secure access, automated computation, secure remote storage
• Installation and training: training and support on installation, maintainance and system monitoring provided 

Much of the demand for Built to SPEC has come from industries responsible for site monitoring:

• Industrial/Demolition
• Environmental Remediation
• Unconventional Gas
• Dredging
• Health and Safety 

When customers need complete support of their most complex monitoring projects, FEI's Built to SPEC program delivers the answers. 

Earlier this year FEI instituted a Return Shipping Program to simplify the equipment rental process. The response from customers has been exceptional.

"FEI's primary goal is to make doing business with us as easy as possible," says Anthony Visco, FEI's co-founder and customer service representative. Achieving the highest standard of customer service possible inspires employees in every department to continually re-evaluate processes and find ways to improve the customer experience.

FEI recognized that it needed to simplify the equipment return process for field staff. "We understand making shipping decisions and arrangements on project site frustrates our clients," said Melvin Turner, national sales manager. "Sometimes this delayed returning equipment which often increased project costs."

This new program allows FEI to work with customers on return shipping details when the order is placed. Completed documents, labels and instructions are now enclosed with orders. When the on-site team is ready to return the item, they simply seal the package, affix the label and either call FedEx for pick-up or drop the package off at the nearest shipping facility.