Utica Shale activity remains strong in Ohio
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
At a time when drilling companies are slowing production down and holding off on developing new areas because of low oil and gas prices, activity in Ohio’s Utica Shale seems to remain steady. More than 1,800 Utica Shale drilling permits have been issued in the state.
According to The Intelligencer/Wheeling News-Register, most of Ohio’s Utica Shale activity is taking place in Belmont, Monroe, Harrison, Noble, Guernsey, Carroll and Columbiana counties. The Utica is producing 1.86 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day, as reported in information from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. In 2012, the play produced an average of 155 million cubic feet per day.
Ohio still lacks pipeline infrastructure. While various pipeline projects are planned, it will take time to get them online and transport gas to markets.
Via: The Intelligencer/Wheeling News-Register > Ohio Tops 1,800 Utica Shale Drilling Permits, Production up 12-Fold From ‘12
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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.