XTO Energy faces repercussions for damaged well sites
Monday, December 29, 2014
A settlement has been reached in the case against XTO Energy, Inc. and the state of West Virginia and the Environmental Protection Agency, reports WV MetroNews.
XTO Energy will pay $3 million to restore eight drilling sites and a $2.3 million penalty for violating the Clean Water Act. The company, which is a subsidiary of ExxonMobil, will also have to clean up the 5,300 acres of streams and 3.38 acres of wetlands in Harrison, Marion and Upshur Counties. In addition, XTO Energy will have to monitor the sites for up to 10 years to make sure that restoration is successful.
From WV MetroNews:
“Beginning in 2011, EPA issued administrative compliance orders for violations at all eight sites. Since that time, the company has been working with EPA to correct the violations and restore those sites in full compliance with EPA’s orders.”
Via: WV MetroNews > XTO Energy fined, will pay to restore damage from natural gas extraction in three counties
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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.