Spatial and Temporal Characteristics of Historical Oil and Gas Wells in Pennsylvania: Implications for New Shale Gas Resources

Environ Sci Technol. 2015 Oct 20;49(20):12015-23. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.5b00820. Epub 2015 Oct 6.

Abstract

Recent large-scale development of oil and gas from low-permeability unconventional formations (e.g., shales, tight sands, and coal seams) has raised concern about potential environmental impacts. If left improperly sealed, legacy oil and gas wells colocated with that new development represent a potential pathway for unwanted migration of fluids (brine, drilling and stimulation fluids, oil, and gas). Uncertainty in the number, location, and abandonment state of legacy wells hinders environmental assessment of exploration and production activity. The objective of this study is to apply publicly available information on Pennsylvania oil and gas wells to better understand their potential to serve as pathways for unwanted fluid migration. This study presents a synthesis of historical reports and digital well records to provide insights into spatial and temporal trends in oil and gas development. Areas with a higher density of wells abandoned prior to the mid-20th century, when more modern well-sealing requirements took effect in Pennsylvania, and areas where conventional oil and gas production penetrated to or through intervals that may be affected by new Marcellus shale development are identified. This information may help to address questions of environmental risk related to new extraction activities.

Publication types

  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Environment*
  • History, 20th Century
  • History, 21st Century
  • Oil and Gas Fields*
  • Oil and Gas Industry / history*
  • Oil and Gas Industry / trends
  • Pennsylvania
  • Spatio-Temporal Analysis
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / analysis

Substances

  • Water Pollutants, Chemical