Permian reaches most rigs since May, US rig count falls by one
Monday, January 4, 2021
Although the US oil and gas rig count decreased by one to 413 for the week ended Dec. 24, the Permian Basin’s rig count climbed to its highest level since May, according to Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide.
The lost rig was a natural gas rig, bringing the total count to 113. Meanwhile oil rigs held constant at 300 for a second straight week.
The Permian Basin of West Texas/New Mexico gained the most rigs during the week, up three to 184, reaching its highest level since May 2020.
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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.