Appalachian Basin permitting activity picks up June 14-20
Thursday, June 24, 2021
Forty-six permits were issued in the Marcellus and Utica shale plays during the week of June 14-20, according to Marcellus Drilling News.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection issued 30 new permits during the week of June 14-20. A majority of the permits were dispersed among three well pads operated by EQT, Chesapeake Energy and Range Resources.
West Virginia issued 16 new permits, split between Antero Resources and EQT. The activity comes after two consecutive weeks with no permits issued.
Ohio had no new drilling permits issued during the week of June 14-20.
Learn more: Marcellus Drilling News > Weekly Shale Drilling Permits for PA, OH, WV: Jun 14-20
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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.