ODNR to potentially change spacing for oil and gas wells
Wednesday, April 4, 2018
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Oil and Gas Resources Management, recently posted draft rules for altering well spacing for both conventional and Utica Shale wells, according to Marcellus Drilling News.
The rules being proposed will establish new minimum distances that horizontal wells may be drilled from the boundaries of drilling units and new minimum distances from other horizontal wells. According to Marcellus Drilling News, the new regulations will require shale wells to be drilled at least 400 feet from the drilling unit boundary line.
The public can comment on the proposed changes until April 10.
Learn more: Marcellus Drilling News > ODNR proposes new spacing rules for shale & conventional wells
Leave a Comment
Marcellus & Utica Shale Well Map
Additional Shale Maps
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.