Another possible case of gas migration in the Dimock area is under investigation by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, according to Laura Legere of the Scranton Times.
http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/state-investigating-possible-stray-gas-case-near-area-of-past-problems-in-dimock-1.1307302#xzz11OBfNkiO.
Legere reports that two, new water wells are the focus of the investigation that began after landowners complained to DEP about water quality issues. Repairs by applying additional cement at one gas well were conducted in late March to one gas well operated by Cabot.
While there is no evidence of frack fluids returning from depth to contaminate the Dimock water or just about any other water, gas migration is a real issue that requires constant attention by regulators and companies.
Does PA have any regulatory monitors tailing frack-water tanker trucks? I grew up watching 'The A-Team' with its relentless portrayals of corporate titans fracking over the small rural land-owner, and can't help but assume that fracking well operators (or the waste disposal companies servicing them) will have the irresistible urge to 'urinate' on the highway and arrive at the legitimate dump sites 1/2 full -- or just turn around at some clandestine midway point in Ohio, short of their supposed destination, to grab another haul. The emergence of evidence suggesting below-ground injection sequestration may trigger seismic activity will only intensify pressure to cut corners in frack-water hauling and storage.
ReplyDeletePA requires tracks drilling wastewater through regualtory requirements. Volumes loaded onto a truck at a well site are recorded and reported. Volumes arriving at a treatment plant are reported and recorded.
ReplyDeleteMost drilling wastewater is reused in the next well. Some shale drillers are at 100% reuse or recycling.
There have been two criminal prosecutions for dumping drilling waste.