Apr 14, 2018 2 min read

The state Department of Environmental Protection Friday released data on the soundness on gas and oil well structures in 2014, and a comprehensive analysis showed “the majority of wells in the state are being operated in a manner that greatly reduces the risk for groundwater impacts.”

Information was submitted by thousands of well operators in the state. DEP said in a news release that less than 1 percent “of operator observations indicated the types of integrity problems, such as gas outside surface casing, that could allow gas to move beyond the well footprint.”

The report is part of the agency’s Mechanical Integrity Assessment Program, and 2014 was the first of four years of data collected.

DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell said in a prepared statement that it “is the most rigorous routine well integrity assessment program to protect groundwater in the United States. We’re committed to protecting Pennsylvanians’ health, safety, and environment through continuous improvement of our regulatory oversight of the oil and gas industry.”

Operators of unconventional and conventional wells “are required to inspect them on a quarterly basis for structural soundness to ensure that gas migration is prevented, leaks are managed and groundwater is protected,” DEP said.

DEP’s report pleased David Spigelmyer , president of the Marcellus Shale Coalition, which represents about 200 natural gas-related companies involved in drilling and supply-chain companies. He said in a statement:

“At a time when anti-energy activists are seeking to undermine the integrity and safety of our operations, this report, like countless others, reflects that natural gas development and strong protection for our environment are not mutually exclusive.

“Our industry is laser-focused on leveraging continuously improving technologies, world-class engineering solutions and best practices aimed at safeguarding and enhancing our environment, including groundwater protection, as well as public health.”