Research finds link between groundwater contamination and shale, legacy energy development in Pa.
Thursday, September 22, 2022
Penn State scientists have discovered fracking for oil and natural gas in regions of Pennsylvania with a legacy of energy extraction may increase the risk of groundwater contamination, according to Phys.org.
Researchers have uncovered a link between elevated chloride levels in groundwater in areas where horizontal drilling overlaps with a high density of conventional oil and gas wells and coal mining in southwestern Pennsylvania.
However, researchers did not observe the same connection in northeast Pennsylvania, which also experienced the Marcellus Shale boom, but does not have the same history of intensive energy extraction via conventional oil and gas wells and coal mining.
Learn more: Phys.org > Research links shale gas, legacy energy development to groundwater contamination
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What are mineral rights?
Mineral rights are the rights of the owner of the property to mine or produce any resources below the surface of the property. Mineral rights are different from surface rights.
Will I get free natural gas if I allow fracking on my property?
Maybe. It depends on your particular lease agreement. Some companies allow property owners a yearly free gas allowance. But, the process of connecting your property to the gas source may be more complicated. Some companies will provide a hookup, others require the landowner to provide one.