Ohio Catalogs Shale Holdings
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Ohio is in the process of cataloging shale holdings in parks, forests and preserves according to The Columbus Dispatch.
The Dispatch obtained records from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources that documents the state’s mission to find out how much Utica shale the state owns. Undoubtedly, the state hopes to, one day, open up some areas for gas drilling.
Here’s an excerpt:
The agency records also contained maps of five state forests with highlighted areas where drilling could be allowed. LoParo said the maps aren’t necessarily a sign that these forests — Beaver Creek, Fernwood, Harrison, Sunfish Creek and Yellow Creek — would be among the first put up for bids under a state law that lawmakers passed on Sept. 30, or that bidding might soon begin.
» Via: The Columbus Dispatch › State catalogs shale holdings in parks, forests
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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.