Barnett

While its investments with Chesapeake Energy Corp. in Barnett and Utica shale gas and oil plays have been widely publicized, Paris-based Total SA also is quietly investing in a major research and development (R&D) project looking at in-ground ways to develop oil shale, an unrealized dream of energy independence that the industry and some policymakers have flirted with for decades.

Producers operating in the Barnett Shale town Arlington, TX, will have to comply with new rules enacted Tuesday that call for greater drilling site security and improved aesthetics of drilling locations for future wells. Surveillance cameras will be required at drilling locations, and the use of diesel-powered rigs is banned within 450 feet of residences and other designated places. The vote was 7-0 in favor of the ordinance revision with one council member absent and one seat unfilled. Previously, some members had expressed reservations about the changes, saying they might be too onerous for the industry. One change that favors drillers is the allowance of concurrent applications for specific-use permits and gas well permits. Council initially approved the rules last month (see Shale Daily, Nov. 21).

In a merger that would create a formidable onshore oilfield services company, Superior Energy Services Inc. on Monday agreed to pay $2.7 billion in cash and stock to buy Complete Production Services Inc. — a 62% premium to Complete’s closing share price on Friday.

Range Resources Corp., an early pioneer in the Barnett Shale that has since taken its estimable talents to the Marcellus, on Wednesday saw its share price jump almost 20% in early trading after reports surfaced that Royal Dutch Shell plc or another major oil company might make a bid for the company.

A proposed rule in Texas to require public disclosure of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) fluid contents was approved for publication Monday by the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC).

Beginning Wednesday (Aug. 3) there will be a “HAWK” flying over the Eagle Ford Shale of South Texas, collecting infrared images intended to reveal the release of volatile organic compounds (VOC) from natural gas production and other industrial facilities.

The results of a long-awaited, million-dollar study of air emissions in Fort Worth’s portion of the Barnett Shale in North Texas are in and rather anticlimactic. While a handful of sites were found to have emissions exceeding regulatory allowances, setback requirements for natural gas facilities were generally found to be adequate.

The results of a long-awaited, million-dollar study of air emissions in Fort Worth’s portion of the Barnett Shale in North Texas are in and rather anticlimactic. While a handful of sites were found to have emissions exceeding regulatory allowances, setback requirements for natural gas facilities were generally found to be adequate.

Three federal agencies say they will cooperate on air quality issues for onshore oil and gas projects drilled on public lands and will create a new agency to implement collaborative plans by late September.