Pennsylvania natural gas production increased in 2015
Friday, August 19, 2016
Harrisburg, PA — Pennsylvania’s natural gas production volume trended upward in 2015, according to the newly released Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) 2015 Oil and Gas Annual Report.
In 2015, more than 4.6 trillion cubic feet of natural gas were produced in Pennsylvania compared to about 1 trillion cubic feet of natural gas produced in 2011. Currently, Pennsylvania is the second largest supplier of natural gas in the nation.
“As our report shows, despite the reduction in the number of natural gas wells that were drilled in PA during 2015, the overall volume of natural gas produced continued to increase to a record level,” said Acting Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “We will continue to work with all of our stakeholders to balance the needs of our new energy economy with the imperative that we protect our resources.”
The 2015 Oil and Gas Annual Report was created to provide information about DEP’s oil and gas permitting, inspection and compliance programs. In addition, the annual report provides insights of ongoing data trends, outlines significant accomplishments and provides a view of what to expect from DEP during this coming year.
To read the full report, click on 2015 Oil and Gas Annual Report.
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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.