Research team to study Morgantown, West Virginia wells
Saturday, December 20, 2014
A group of researchers will study drilling practices at a Morgantown well pad, reports West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
Northeast Natural Energy is teaming up with researchers at WVU Energy Institute to monitor two new wells that will be added to a well pad where two wells were drilled in 2011. WVU Energy Institute received federal funding for the project.
The focus for one of the new wells will be science, research and observation for air, water, noise and other factors. The other well be a normal production well.
As of now, permits are waiting for approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
Via: West Virginia Public Broadcasting > More Fracking Slated in Morgantown
Related:
- OSU, WVU receive grant for shale research lab Nov. 13, 2014
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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.