WV DEP issues notice of violation over Marcellus gas drilling incident

From an Article by Kim Freda, State Journal, September 29, 2014

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection has issued a notice of violation to Antero Resources for a well drilling incident that could have released methane gas into 12 personal water wells.

The WV-DEP was contacted by Antero Resources about 9 AM September 24th after Antero drilled a well and came in contact with an adjacent well on Antero’s Primm Pad. The well and pad are located on Oxford Road, in the West Union area of Doddridge County.

While drilling the “Stella 1h” well, which was just approved for drilling September 1st, Antero came in contact with the “Callie 2h” well at about 621 feet in depth, according to information from the WV-DEP. While the extent of damage is currently unknown, methane gas was released from the Callie 2h well and it is possible that freshwater could be impacted by the gas.

Three water wells closest in proximity to the Primm Pad have been disconnected. Antero provided water buffaloes, which are large water storage containers, for the area while testing continues on the wells, said David Belcher, Assistant Chief of the West Virginia Office of Oil and Gas.

Nine additional wells could be impacted and have been provided with drinking water while testing is ongoing. The 12 residences with water wells that could be affected are in the unincorporated community of Joy, on Fred’s Run Road, Belcher said. The producing well, Callie 2h, was turned off with WV-DEP supervision following the incident, Belcher said.    

The Office of Oil and Gas cited Antero with a cease and desist order, a notice of violation, along with a pollution violation citing methane gas. Antero is required to gain control of the well, demonstrate the ability to safely resume operations and must contain any methane on site.  Belcher said Antero is cooperating with the Office of Oil and Gas and is continuing to monitor the situation and work with well owners. The WV-DEP also has personnel present to monitor the situation, he said.