Increase in wells, production put Utica Shale near the top
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
According to Interfax Global Energy, the Utica shale is one of the fastest-growing in the nation due to increased drilling and production.
Starting in 2009, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources issued permits to oil and gas companies. Five years later, over 1,000 horizontal wells have been drilled and a total of 1,400 permits are held by various companies.
In order to continue the Utica’s success, potential pipelines and other projects are being considered to expand on distribution of the oil and natural gas extracted in Ohio.
From Interfax Global Energy:
“Ohio is reviewing a $19 billion midstream investment plan to expand infrastructure to sustain future production growth. The Rockies Express Pipeline (REX) delivers Utica gas to western states from Ohio, and there are projects planned to help deliver gas to other US regions.”
Via: Interfax Global Energy > The Utica shale – fastest-growing gas production in the US
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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.