Jefferson County gas well leak prompts evacuation
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
A gas well leak caused by a well head sheering off evacuated residents in Jefferson County overnight Tuesday evening.
WTOV-TV reports that the evacuation was lifted this morning and residents can return to their homes. The location of the leak was near Township Road 187 and County Road 26. American Energy Partners, the owner of the well, have it secured and claim that there is no danger.
Shelters were provided for residents in nearby Wells Township Senior Center, Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department and Buckeye North Elementary.
Related: Jefferson County well blow-out declared under control
Via: WTOV-TV > Mandatory evacuations for gas well leak have been lifted
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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.