CNX suspects Utica Shale well problem caused by damaged casing
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Two weeks ago, CNX Resources Corp. shut down its Shaw 1G well in Westmoreland County, Pa., after high-pressure gas flooded nearby shallower wells. Following an early investigation, the company believes a problem with the casing in its compromised Utica Shale well was the likely root of the problem, according to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette.
Based on the information available to CNX at this time, the problem at the Shaw 1G well was caused by a casing integrity issue that occurred at a depth below approximately 5,200 feet, allowing gas traveling up the wellbore to escape at that point, the company stated in its annual report.
When gas escaped from the wellbore at 5,200 feet, it made its way to nine vertical wells, drilled to a depth between 3,700 feet and 3,900 feet, according to the DEP. CNX then had to flares those wells to relieve the pressure as it worked to “kill” its problematic well.
Learn more: Pittsburgh Post Gazette > CNX reports suspected cause of Utica Shale well problem near Beaver Run Reservoir
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.