US rig count reaches 700, highest level in 20 months
Wednesday, December 15, 2021
The U.S. oil and gas rig count increased 12 to 700, reaching its highest level in 20 months, according to data produced by Enverus.
Oil rigs were up 11 for a total of 548 and natural gas rigs gained one for a total of 152 during the week ended Dec. 8, according to S&P Global Platts. The last time the U.S. tallied a rig count this high was the week ended April 1, 2020.
The Eagle Ford of South Texas saw the biggest change, adding three rigs to 53 total rigs. The Marcellus Shale and Utica Shale rig counts remained stagnant for a second consecutive week with 36 and 12 rigs, respectively.
Learn more: S&P Global Platts > US oil, gas rig count jumps 12 to 700, at highest level in 20 months: Enverus
Leave a Comment
Marcellus & Utica Shale Well Map
Additional Shale Maps
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.