West Virginia nuisance lawsuits abound in Marcellus Shale
Friday, September 11, 2015
For residents in Marcellus Shale territory, noise, traffic and odors from natural gas operations are some of the biggest complaints lodged against the shale industry. In northern West Virginia’s Doddridge County, the number of lawsuits filed by landowners against drilling companies totals at least 200.
According to Environment & Energy Publishing, most of the lawsuits have been filed against Antero Resources Corp., based in Colorado, and Hall Drilling LLC, a West Virginia company. Now, the cases have been combined to form a mass litigation case before West Virginia’s seven circuit court judges. The case is slated for 2016.
The nuisance lawsuit could result in a tough penalty for Antero and Hall if the court decides for the plaintiffs. There’s no indication yet of the case’s proceedings or a settlement between the groups.
This case’s decision could possibly influence nuisance laws related to drilling in other U.S. shale regions.
Via: Environment & Energy Publishing > W.Va. shale fields fertile ground for nuisance lawsuits
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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.