Gov. Wolf’s administration tells Range Resources to fix methane leak
Wednesday, January 15, 2020
Earlier this week, Governor Tom Wolf’s administration told Range Resources that it must fix a natural gas well that has leaked methane since 2011 and contaminated groundwater and streams in the Marcellus Shale in north-central Pennsylvania, KDKA.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection issued $8.9 million in fines over the well to Range Resources. However, the fines were later rescinded.
The 13-page order issued Monday gives Range Resources two months to submit a plan to reduce the gas migration and, after the department approves the plan, four months to submit a plan to plug the well and a bore hole next to it.
Learn more: KDKA > Governor’s office demands Range Resources fix methane leak once and for all, company claims it’s naturally occurring
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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.
if this was one of us small producers we would be in prison. and they run on caring about the little man. what a d..mn joke