Rig count jumps 9 with additions in Permian Basin, Marcellus Shale
Thursday, January 14, 2021
The U.S. rig count jumped nine units higher to 360 for the period ending Jan. 8, led by additions in the Permian Basin and Marcellus Shale, according to Baker Hughes.
The increase in domestic drilling included the addition of eight oil rigs and one natural gas rig. The Permian Basin added four rigs, bringing its total to 179. The Marcellus Shale also added four rigs, bringing its total to 30.
During the same period, the Utica Shale dropped two rigs.
Learn more: Natural Gas Intelligence > Permian, Marcellus Totals on Rise as U.S. Rig Count Surges
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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.