Too few pipelines and low prices influence shale production in Pennsylvania
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
A lack of pipeline infrastructure in Pennsylvania has caused oil and gas drillers to cut back on production, limit new well drilling and reduce the number of rigs to survive the glut in prices.
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that the pipeline shortage could cause natural gas prices to dip to around $1 per thousand cubic feet since the gas can’t get to higher-demand markets.
During the first half of 2015, 42 percent fewer shale oil and gas wells were drilled compared to the same time period of 2014. Drilling is expected to decline throughout this month, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Via: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review > Shale gas production in retreat amid low prices, shortage of pipelines
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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.