Home Education Center Finding Gas Wells Near You

Because of Presumed Responsibility, the gas company is responsible for any water contamination that occurs within 2,500 feet of their gas well.  They are "guilty until proven innocent" unless they can prove:

  • The pollution was already there (so they test to be sure)
  • You turned them away when they came to test (please let them in)
  • Your well is outside 2,500 feet (only within that small radius)
  • The pollution occurred more than 12 months after drilling stopped (don't wait too long to make a claim)
  • Something else caused the pollution (It wasn't us...)

See it in the actual law: Oil & Gas Act

Keep in mind that the law does not prevent a landowner who claims pollution or reduction in water supply from seeking any other legal remedy.
 
How to read this map?
  • This is a terrain map that uses lines to show points of equal elevation
  • The lines will help you see if the drilling is occuring above or below your property 
    • Imagine slicing horizontally through a mountain to find an outline of all points at that same elevation
    • The closer the spacing between contour lines, the steeper the area
    • The further apart the spacing between contour lines, the flatter the area
How far are you from the drill site?

  • METHANE CONTAMINATION HAS TRAVELED MORE THAN 2 MILES

  • A gas company is “Presumed Responsible” for contamination only inside 1,000 feet of their well

    • Chances are your well is further - 1,000 is less than 1/4 mile

  • Horizontal drilling can travel as much as 10,000 feet



Why do drillers locate their wells at higher elevations?

  • LESS REGULATION

  • Fewer wetlands, ponds, streams and other bodies of water where they'd need additional approvals

What factors affect the speed and distance contaminants will travel?
  • Type of contaminant – methane is under pressure and can travel farther
  • Elevation - stuff flows downhill

  • Gravity – stuff flows downhill

  • Shape and size of your aquifer – how far are you drawing water from

  • Permeability of  soil/sediment – how readily water (or a contaminant) is absorbed and flows through

  • Proximity to fracture zones – cracks in the rock that could allow contaminants to move vertically

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Independent Water Testing Facebook

How Close is TOO CLOSE

Methane gas was discovered bubbling in the Susquehanna River at Sugar Run.  DEP now says it is conclusive that it is coming from a well two to three miles from the river.

Wyalusing Rocket-Courier September 23, 2010

Contamination in Texas Too

The [EPA in Texas] has data to indicate that two private drinking water wells, and potentially more, have been significantly impacted by the methane contamination.

ProPublica, December 8, 2010


Leased Property = No Mortgage?

When it comes down to obtaining a mortgage on [leased] properties, “more and more banks are saying, ‘no, no, no.’

Mortgage Broker, June 3 2010