Utica drillers maintain interest in Columbiana County
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Since 2011, 130 shale wells have been permitted in Columbiana County, Ohio. Shale Play reports that the eastern Ohio county is more than likely within the top five counties in the state for well permits, according to Ohio Oil and Gas Association public relations coordinator Mike Chadsey.
Recently, two wells are being drilled in Fairfield Township and another within the city of Columbiana. Twenty well permits have been issued so far this year.
The newspaper states that 18 wells have been drilled in Columbiana County but aren’t producing. Fifty-six other wells have been permitted but have not yet been drilled. The most permits in the county have been issued in Fairfield, Hanover and Franklin townships.
If approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Columbiana County will see the construction of the Nexus Gas Transmission Pipeline, a Spectra Energy project. It will originate in Kensington and cross the state into Michigan.
Via: Shale Play > Interest in Columbiana County’s Utica Shale remains strong
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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.