What We Dont Know

http://www.propublica.org/feature/natural-gas-drilling-what-we-dont-know-1231

End of the year story from propublica.

Taking Cabot to Court

http://www.startribune.com/business/70652327.html?elr=KArks:DCiU1OiP:DiiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU

Here is a bit of a follow up article from the Star Tribune about the folks who have the water pollution problems in Dimock, PA. Note that the same company, Cabot Oil & Gas, that had the spills in the Dunkard Creek area is the culprit here as well. (This company just seems to be terrible at what they do…) Much of the problem extends from the land owners not being aware of the possibility of gas migrations into their wells or homes, in part because the gas company choose to leave that important bit of information out of their spiel when encouraging land owners to sign leases. Who’s at fault? The gas company for not explaining and disclosing this info or the land owners for not being better educated about what drilling for natural gas entails? Whatever is decided, the people of Dimock, PA are most likely due some sort of retribution. I find it frustrating that a price tag can be placed on the value of people’s health and homes and that these companies have no problem paying folks off if they can. (Go check out  Split Estate if you haven’t yet) Honestly, I think Cabot Oil & Gas needs to throw in the towel and go find some other business to venture in. They seem to be wrought with problems due to negligence, greed and incompetence in everything they do! I mean, if you can’t get the ball in the hoop, don’t play basketball for a living.

Natural Gas Migration

This page offers a good look into what’s called natural gas migration. This is an occurrence of the gas escaping from the rock reservoir, a pipeline, a well or a coal seam. If you read the info at this link you’ll find some explanation for some of the problems people have been having with methane leaking into their homes and water wells.

As far as my personal experience goes, I know there have been cases of water wells contaminated by methane gases in Tioga County before the gas drilling began in full. For this reason I think it is very important to make sure you have your water tested prior to having a well put in. If your water was fine before a well and after the gas well is put in you have problems with methane, it will be tough to prove this to the company who drilled your well with out having a water test that is dated prior to the gas well. I would attempt to put something in a lease agreement that has the energy company pay for the water testing as well as be responsible for fixing any problems that arise, including the methane gas.

http://s3.amazonaws.com/propublica/assets/methane/natural_gas_migration_pa.pdf