Methane in water wells checked in gas drilling area (Cabot same company Dimock in Gasland)

[RamboLiberal]

ALLENTOWN, Pa. -- Pennsylvania environmental regulators and a gas-drilling company are investigating the source of methane that potentially contaminated three private water wells and a pond in northeastern Pennsylvania.

The water wells are located near two natural gas well pads operated by Cabot Oil & Gas Corp., the Houston-based company that endured harsh criticism over contamination of private water wells in nearby Dimock.

The Department of Environmental Protection confirmed today it is collecting samples from the gas wells and water wells in Lenox Township, Susquehanna County, to see if there is a match, with results expected in several weeks. No determination has been made about the source of the stray methane, according to department spokesman Daniel Spadoni.

Methane is not known to be toxic, but in high concentrations it can be explosive and cause unconsciousness and even death, since it displaces oxygen needed to breathe.



Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11236/1169504-100.stm#ixzz1Vy1umLvO

[kristopher]

1. K&R

[OKIsItJustMe]

2. More coverage

http://www.wbng.com/news/local/Investigation-Possible-Methane-Gas-Migration-128332568.html
http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/dep-investigating-methane-contamination-in-susquehanna-county-1.1192677

[OKIsItJustMe]

3. (Fom last month) Marcellus Shale Commission Issues Final Report

Moderators, please note, this is a PA commonwealth government press release. (Copyright concerns are nil.)

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/newsroom/14287?id=18116&typeid=1

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Dept. of Environmental Protection
Commonwealth News Bureau
Room 308, Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg PA., 17120

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
07/22/2011

CONTACT:
Chad Saylor, Lt. Governor's Office
717-787-3300

Marcellus Shale Commission Issues Final Report

HARRISBURG -- Lt. Governor Jim Cawley today released the final report of the Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission, taking the first step toward developing a comprehensive and strategic plan for responsible natural gas drilling in Pennsylvania.

The unanimously-adopted report contains 96 policy recommendations that include tougher regulations for drilling, doubling fines for violations, creating jobs in related industries and promoting the use of natural gas vehicles.

“Today, Pennsylvania is taking an important, first step toward creating tens of thousands of jobs and leading the nation toward energy independence and doing so in an environmentally responsible way,” said Cawley.

Some of the key recommendations the panel made to Governor Corbett include:
• Increasing the distance between gas well sites and streams, private wells and public water systems.
• Posting more information online for the public.
• Tougher civil and criminal penalties for violators.
• Assisting PA companies to do business with natural gas industry.
• Training Pennsylvanians to work in the industry.
• Developing “Green Corridors” for vehicles powered by natural gas.

“This commission brought the industry, environmental groups and local government leaders together to the same table where we methodically and publicly worked out these comprehensive recommendations,” said Cawley.

Governor Corbett formed the 30-member commission in March, giving them 120 days to develop recommendations on all aspects of natural gas drilling. The commission held 21 public meetings, heard 60 expert presentations and reviewed more than 650 emails and letters from the public.

To see a copy of the report or for more information, visit: http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/marcellus_shale_advisory_commission/20074.

[txlibdem]

4. Methane is not known to be toxic?

Methane is not toxic; however, it is extremely flammable and may form explosive mixtures with air. Methane is violently reactive with oxidizers, halogens, and some halogen-containing compounds. Methane is also an asphyxiant and may displace oxygen in an enclosed space. Asphyxia may result if the oxygen concentration is reduced to below 19.5% by displacement. The concentration of methane where asphyxiation risk becomes significant is much higher than the 5–15% concentration that forms flammable or explosive mixtures.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methane

My gosh, I'm glad they cleared that up. It's not toxic, it'll just either explode or remove enough of the oxygen to kill you by asphyxiation.