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(The State Journal; Charleston, W.Va. - June 9) - West Virginia needs to hire more trained well inspectors to deal with the increase in natural gas activity in the state. The need for more inspectors follows passage in December of the Horizontal Well Act, which regulates drilling for natural gas in the Marcellus Shale. Inspectors are responsible for environmental regulatory oversight of oil and gas drilling and production.

However, finding people who can meet the job qualifications has been difficult, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection. "We are in a very challenging position," said James Martin, chief of the office of Oil and Gas. "We don't have enough candidates for them because of the requirements, and we are limited in the salary we can offer."

The starting salary for an inspector is $35,000 per year. That amount is set by statue, so the agency cannot negotiate anything higher with the candidate.

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