Drilling to begin at research wells in Morgantown
Monday, June 29, 2015
The State Journal reports that drilling will begin at a science well and two production wells that are part of the United State’s first integrated research initiative on shale gas drilling. West Virginia University and Ohio State University are participating in the initiative together.
The science well is part of the Marcellus Shale Energy and Environmental Laboratory (MSEEL). Northeast Natural Energy, an oil and natural gas company from Charleston, West Virginia, will drill the holes for the production wells that are located at the Morgantown Industrial Park.
The research team will monitor the impact of shale gas drilling over a period of time. The wells will also be used to evaluate new drilling technologies.
Via: The State Journal > Drilling to begin at experimental well to be monitored by WVU, OSU researchers
Related:
- Research team to study Morgantown, West Virginia wells Dec. 20, 2014
- OSU, WVU receive grant for shale research lab Nov. 13, 2014
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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.