OSU, WVU receive grant for shale research lab
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Columbus Business Journal reports that an $11 million grant has been awarded to Ohio State University and West Virginia University to build a shale research lab and test site.
The Marcellus Shale Energy and Environment Laboratory site will be located in Morgantown, West Virginia. Aside from researching best practices for shale drilling, the center will host trainings for undergraduate students.
Both the Marcellus and Utica Shales will be studied; OSU will focus on the Utica Shale while WVU focuses on the Marcellus Shale
Via: Columbus Business Journal > Ohio State WVU sharing federal grant for shale research lab
Related:
- Research team to study Morgantown, West Virginia wells Dec. 20, 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.