U.S. rig count falls due to reduced natural gas activity
Tuesday, July 5, 2022
The U.S. rig count fell by three units to 750 during the week ended July 1, as the natural gas rig count fell four and offset the one-rig increase in oil rigs, according to the latest numbers from Baker Hughes Co.
However, compared to a year ago the U.S. rig count is up significantly from 475 in 2021.
Declining by four units during this time period, the natural gas rig count stood at 153 on July 1. The Marcellus and Utica shales each posted one-rig declines.
Learn more: Natural Gas Intelligence > U.S. Drilling Total Slides on drop in Natural Gas Activity
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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.