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Chesapeake Energy Names New CEO
Chesapeake Energy named Robert Lawler its new chief executive officer Monday. The company is looking to move beyond the tumultuous reign of former CEO, Aubrey McClendon. Lalwer is currently serving as a senior vice president for Anadarko Petroleum. He will formally …
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Utica Shale Production Results Released
SALEM, Ohio — As the Ohio Department of Natural Resources released the annual report of well production results, many are getting the feeling that Ohio needs to be patient and build the infrastructure in order to see the true production results of …
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Live Storify Coverage of the ‘State of the Play’ Event
Our live coverage of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ event will begin at 2 p.m. Please join us as ODRN released the 2012 Utica shale production numbers. The Shale Gas Reporter will have live reporting and commentary by Kristy …
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Breaking: ODNR Releasing 2012 Utica Shale Well Production Numbers
COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources will release the 2012 Utica shale well production numbers during a ‘State of the Play’ event. The ODNR Division of Oil and Gas Resources Management compiled, verified and analyzed the results of …
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Ohio Regulations Make Drilling Painless for Developers
According to the Columbus Dispatch, Ohio is making it rather painless for Utica shale developers to operate within the state. It takes 14 days to obtain a drilling permit in Ohio, to drill on federal land the process can take …
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Marcellus Drillers Cut Trees to Save Wildlife
The Allegheny woodrat is the center of attention for oil and gas drillers in southwestern, southcentral and northcentral Pennsylvania counties, according to the Penn Live. The woodrat, once considered a common resident of Pennsylvania, is now protected under the Game and Wildlife Code. Because of its protected status, …
Shale FAQ
What is fracking?
Fracking is a slang term for hydraulic fracturing. Fracturing is a process by which highly pressurized fluid is pumped thousands of feet into the ground to fracture rock formations. The goal is to release the natural gas that’s locked inside the rock.
Is it safe?
What most concerns people about fracturing is ground water contamination. The worry is that fractures underground, caused by the process, will extending upwards and into aquifers, releasing gas and chemicals into the ground water supply. There’s been no confirmed reports of such a thing happening. Though surface spills and drill site blowouts can lead to localized environmental concerns.
Will my water catch on fire?
Flammable water is caused by the release of methane gas into a drinking water supply. Methane gas occurs naturally and can be released by any kind of drilling, including water wells. In Pennsylvania officials fined Chesapeake Energy $1 million for contaminating ground water with methane. It was determined that the company had not properly cemented it’s boreholes and gas migrated up the well, between rock and into aquifers.
How often do royalty payments come?
Depending on the company, royalty payments can arrive monthly or quarterly.
Are my royalty payments transferable?
Yes. If you plan on selling your property, notify the gas company that is leasing your land and your realtor. They will make arrangements to allow the royalty payments to transfer to a different land owner.
What are royalties?
Royalties are payments from the gas company to the landowner as part of a lease agreement. Royalties payments cannot begin until production begins. The payments are dependent upon the market price of the resource.
What are mineral rights?
Mineral rights are the rights of the owner of the property to mine or produce any resources below the surface of the property. Mineral rights are different from surface rights.
Will I get free natural gas if I allow fracking on my property?
Maybe. It depends on your particular lease agreement. Some companies allow property owners a yearly free gas allowance. But, the process of connecting your property to the gas source may be more complicated. Some companies will provide a hookup, others require the landowner to provide one.