Orphaned Well Being Plugged In Sullivan Co.

RDA 
Seeking truth about the consequences of shale gas development 
RDA e-Newsletter, October 2012 v.2 

by Morgan Myers and Ralph Kisberg

DUSHORE, PA - The Department of Environmental Protection is investigating two methane migration incidents near Chesapeake Energy drilling operations in Forks Township, Sullivan County. One incident occurred in the Black Creek area, and the other near Pleasant Valley Road.

 Although DEP has not yet determined the cause of either methane migration, an abandoned well from the 1950's was discovered around a mile northwest of the Pleasant Valley Road problem area.

 DEP detected combustible gas at the surface of the ground above the abandoned BJ Broschart well in Forks Township. A township resident reported to RDA that the well was drilled to a depth of 7,000' and never put into production.

"Since the well is considered an orphaned well, with no viable operator, the department assumed the responsibility of plugging the well through the Orphaned Well Plugging Fund," said Spadoni.
Hydrocarbon Well Services well-plugging site
(Image: RDA)

DEP hired Hydrocarbon Well Services to plug the orphaned well through an emergency contract.

 Read More:

http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs053/1108623850811/archive/1111237184671.html