“These additional standards add even more strength to Ohio’s already comprehensive regulatory program,” said Mike Paque, Executive Director of the Groundwater Protection Council. “State regulators are taking an aggressive lead in tackling tough and complicated oil and gas issues and ODNR is no exception.”
More than 800 wells have been drilled in Ohio’s Utica and Marcellus shale play, including as many as 16,000 hydraulic fracturing stages from those wells. Regarding the seismic events in Poland Township, Mahoning County, ODNR geologists believe the sand and water injected into the well during the hydraulic fracturing process may have increased pressure on an unknown microfault in the area. Further hydraulic fracturing at the site is suspended but the company will be permitted to recover resources from five of the previously drilled wells located on the pad. This is also expected to have the beneficial effect of reducing underground pressure and decreasing the likelihood of another seismic event.
Under ODNR’s lead, Ohio has joined a consortium of state regulators dedicated to learning more about seismic activity, especially as it relates to oil and gas activity. The members of this consortium are currently working with the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission and Groundwater Protection Council to share information and knowledge. The working group also hopes to draw upon current and future research to develop common procedures for how to monitor for seismic activity and respond if activity occurs.
The Ohio Seismic Network, coordinated by ODNR and operated by various partners, began recording seismic events in 1999. Before that time, the recording of seismic events varied from distant machines and felt reports. Ohio has a history of seismic activity, and since the network has established, Ohio has experienced 109 events greater than 2.0 magnitude. Data from the Ohio Seismic Network will be used as part of our new application review process.
A map of underground seismic faults and past seismic events is available as a PDF documentoilandgas.ohiodnr.gov/portals/pdf/EG-2_2014_MAPONLY.pdf, and as a geographic information system Shape File http://apps.ohiodnr.gov/geodata/Statewide/Earthquake_shapes.exe.”
Earthquakes in Ohio and Seismic Risk
Seismic Risk – PA
Earthquake EpiCenters in PA
Map 69 – Earthquake Catalog PA
PAGIS Map – Earthquakes – Some Ohio Data
New Educational Resources / Training Programs
Crude Oil Origins – In this course we will discuss the formation of oil and review the theories of its origin. You will get comprehensive information about oil reservoirs including their structure, oil accumulation, as well as distribution, migration and transformation of reservoir fluids. We will cover classification and evaluation of reservoirs and estimation of fuel reserves. We will also review fuel reserves focusing on quality, quantity, patterns, and benefits. Drilling Techniques.
Shale Gas Development – The course provides an overview of modern shale gas development, as well as a summary of federal, state, and local regulations applicable to the natural gas production industry, and describes environmental considerations related to shale gas development. It describes the importance of shale gas in meeting the future energy needs of the United States including its role in alternative energy strategies and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The course is intended to serve as a technical summary document, including geologic information on the shale gas basins in the U.S. and the methods of shale gas development. By providing an overview of the regulatory framework and the environmental considerations associated with shale gas development, it will also help facilitate the minimization and mitigation of adverse environmental impacts. By so doing, the course can serve as an instrument to facilitate informed public discussions.
Environmental Concerns Hydraulic fracturing is done with surprising precision and with an eye on the environment, yet it is interesting how the public reacts to the practice in relation to other techniques used throughout the world. Valid points are made on both fronts. The major concern against fracking resides in the overall health and well-being of people close to a well site, as well as the land, water, and air that might be adversely affected. With proper examination and logic, this course was developed to provide insight and reason in a practice fueled by profit for some and by civil concern for others. We will explore the history, public and media perception, and environmental and economic impacts.
Comprehensive Course on Hydraulic Fracturing. Summary Course on Hydraulic Fracturing.
Go to http://webdesignpros.redvector.com
The online education courses are provided to help educate the community and professionals. Courses are fee based, but a portion of the fee ultimately aids in groundwater education and outreach. The portal also offers online training in renewables, biomass, and other topics.
Volunteer
We seek new people at all skill levels for a variety of programs. One thing that everyone can do is attend meetings to share ideas on improving the Keystone Clean Water Team (CCGG Program), enabling us to better understand and address the concerns of well owners. We look for people that can forward solid articles, help coordinate local education efforts, and more. Become part of the Keystone Clean Water Team!.
Everything we do began with an idea.
We realize your time is precious and the world is hectic. CCGG’s volunteers do only what they’re comfortable with. It can be a little or a lot. Get YOUR WATER Tested – Discounted Screening Tests ! Get educated on Drinking Water Quality in Pennsylvania.
For more information, please go to CCGG’s About Page or contact us.
Keystone Clean Water Team /Carbon County Groundwater Guardians is a 501(c)(3) IRS approved nonprofit, volunteer organization and your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. The IRS Officially Approved Name change to the Keystone Clean Water Team by the IRS. Unsolicited donations are appreciated (Helps us complete our mission).
Help the Organization and Get Your Water Tested or Order the Private Well Owner Guide (proceeds benefit This Organization).