Rig count reaches 19 in Ohio’s Utica shale
Thursday, January 10, 2019
During the last full week of 2018, the oil and gas rig count in Ohio’s Utica shale reached 19, according to data provided by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
That week, ended Dec. 29, also included four permits for horizontal wells awarded to two energy exploration companies. XTO Energy Inc. received two permits for wells in Belmont County and Ascent Resources LLC — the most active driller in the Utica — was awarded two permits for wells in Jefferson County.
As of Dec. 29, 2,957 permits have been issued for new horizontal wells across Ohio’s Utica, according to The Youngstown Business Journal. Of that number, 2,491 of those wells are drilled and 2,120 are in production.
Learn more: The Youngstown Business Journal > 19 rigs active during last year of 2018
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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.