U.S. rig count climbs even as natural gas rigs decrease
Monday, December 7, 2020
Following another week of increased oil drilling, the U.S. rig count climbs three units to 323 for the week ending Dec. 4, according to Baker Hughes.
The rig count was lifted by the addition of five oil-directed rigs for the week, which offset a decline of two natural gas-directed rigs.
The U.S. count has risen by nearly 70 rigs over the past three months and oil-directed drilling has accounted for nearly all of that increase. Simultaneously, the natural gas rig count has seen relatively little growth — 72 U.S. natural gas rigs in early September, compared to 75 during the current week, Natural Gas Intelligence reported.
Learn more: Natural Gas Intelligence > Growth in Oil Drilling Spurs U.S. Rig Count Higher; Natural Gas Rigs Decrease
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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.