US rig count dips as Marcellus activity slows
Thursday, August 18, 2022
The U.S. oil and natural gas rig count dropped on unit lower to finish the week ended Aug. 12 at 763 as Marcellus Shale activity slowed, according to data released by Baker Hughes Co.
Despite a net three-rig increase in oil-directed drilling, the overall domestic rig count fell on declines of one natural gas unit and three miscellaneous units, Natural Gas Intelligence reported. However, the 763 total is an increase from the 501 active rigs a year prior.
The Marcellus Shale dropped three rigs week-over-week, totaling 35 active rigs Aug. 12. Like the overall rig count, the slight decline is still ahead of last year, sitting at 35 active rigs. During the same time period in 2021, the Marcellus supported 29 active rigs.
The Utica Shale added one rig last week.
Learn more: Natural Gas Intelligence > Marcellus Activity Slows as U.S. Drilling Total Falls in Latest Baker Count
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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.