|
Energy companies in search of natural gas are beginning to tap the Marcellus Shale, an underground rock formation that runs from New York to Tennessee. The Maryland Department of the Environment has received Maryland’s first proposals.
The Marcellus Shale, which runs under parts of Allegany and Garrett counties in Western Maryland, holds large quantities of natural gas. Until recently, it was not economically feasible to extract this gas. But with improved drilling technology and higher prices for the extracted gas, drilling activity has begun in New York, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
In October, the Maryland Department of the Environment received applications for four Drilling and Operating permits from Samson Resources Company to conduct exploratory drilling.
The production of natural gas has the potential to advance energy independence. Natural gas also produces lower greenhouse gas emissions than oil and coal. Proposals for natural gas exploration and production will be reviewed to determine whether proposed operations meet state environmental requirements.
Extraction of gas from the Marcellus Shale involves drilling vertically down to the formation, which may be a mile or more below the surface, then horizontally through the shale. Liquid during drilling creates a circulating “mud” that keeps the well from collapsing, cools the bit from overheating, and carries the rock cuttings to the surface. Then a mixture of water and chemicals is injected into the well at high pressure to break up the shale and release the gas. This is called "hydrofracing."
Millions of gallons of hydrofracing liquid are typically used in this process, and the liquid must be removed from the well before the gas can flow. This injection process is usually repeated during the life of a well. The recovered hydrofracing liquid may pick up contaminants from below ground, including salts, heavy metals, radionuclides, and organic substances.
MDE administers regulatory and permitting programs that apply to drilling for and extraction of natural gas from the Marcellus Shale. Aspects of the operations potentially regulated under MDE programs include water appropriation, dam safety, wastewater disposal, and well drilling. A principal concern is the protection of groundwater and surface water. The applicant for the drilling permit must secure water for the hydrofracing and then properly store, treat, and dispose of the wastewater. The Department must assure that water will not be appropriated in amounts that would adversely affect other users, the resource, or aquatic life. The wastewater must be treated to appropriate levels before it can be discharged.
If the applications submitted in October are reviewed and determined to be complete, MDE will issue a public notice, including information on how to request a hearing.
|
