Groundwater

A study led by researchers at the University of Colorado (UC) found that of the hundreds of compounds used in hydraulic fracturing (fracking) operations, 15 are of particular concern if they ever become groundwater contaminants due to several factors, including toxicity.

Samples taken from drinking water sources within or near active natural gas wells in the Barnett Shale contain metals and chemical compounds…

Samples taken from drinking water sources within or near active natural gas wells in the Barnett Shale contain metals and chemical compounds at levels exceeding federal limits, according to a peer reviewed study that expands on findings made in 2013.

Groundwater levels are impacted by coalbed methane (CBM) production, decreasing as production increases, and vice versa, according to a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) report that analyzes data from 62 groundwater monitoring wells in Wyoming’s Powder River Basin (PRB).

Shale development in the United Kingdom poses a very low risk to the public, according to a report released Thursday by the government’s health agency, Public Health England (PHE).

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said it is discontinuing the public comment period of its draft research report on alleged groundwater contamination from natural gas wells drilled near Pavillion, WY, which formally brings the agency’s inquiry into the matter to a close.

Production in North Dakota’s Bakken/Three Forks shale playscontinued to climb month over month in August, the most recent month for accumulating statistics, the North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) reported. With more wells producing in August compared to the previous month (7,701 vs. 7,481), both crude oil and natural gas production exceeded July totals. Crude oil production reached 21.7 million bbl in August, compared with 20.9 million bbl in July. A number of wells remained idle as there were 8,495 wells capable of production in August, DMR said. As in recent months, the vast bulk of the production came from four counties: Dunn, McKenzie, Mountrail and Williams.

Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper responded Thursday to criticism from local elected officials in his state who are upset over his government taking the city of Longmont, CO, to court over its oil and natural gas drilling rules. Legal action was what Hickenlooper called a “last resort” in a letter he sent to various local officials considering similar local drilling rules.

Wyoming has set aside $750,000 to help fund cistern systems for Pavillion homeowners whose groundwater may have been contaminated by natural gas drilling, and affected residents will be able to take advantage of that offer, Gov. Matt Mead told reporters last Wednesday.