Marcellus, Utica shale plays see uptick in permitting activity Jan. 17-23
Tuesday, February 1, 2022
The Marcellus and Utica shale plays saw an uptick in permitting activity during the week of Jan. 17 to 23, according to Marcellus Drilling News.
Collectively, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia issued 61 permits to drill new shale wells.
West Virginia issued 28, Pennsylvania issued 24 and Ohio issued 9 new permits from Jan. 17 to 23.
Learn more: Marcellus Drilling News > 61 New Shale Well Permits Issued for PA-OH-WV Jan 17-23
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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.