Environmental Issues Associated with Oil and Natural Gas Extraction, Transport and Processing in the Marcellus and Utica Shale Region of Ohio Joe Bonnell, Program Director School of Environment and Natural Resources
Environmental Issues Well pad and access road construction Drilling and completion Finishing (hydraulic fracturing) Transportation (truck traffic to/from site) Pipeline construction Processing of oil and natural gas
Well pad and access road construction Credit: Marcellus-shale.us
Issues associated with well pad and access road construction Potential loss of habitat –3-15 acres for the pad –Additional acres for access roads Sedimentation and erosion Visual impact
Issues associated with drilling Credit: OEPA at %20A%20Guide%20for%20Operators%20Drilling%20in%20the%20Marcellus%20and%20Utica% 20Shales.pdf
From ODNR – Geological Survey:
From ODNR Geological Survey:
Issues associated with drilling Vehicular traffic –Erosion, dust, and soil compaction –Air pollution (diesel exhaust, flaring and venting) –Noise Noise and light pollution Spills (e.g., oil, fuels & lubricants)
Issues associated with drilling Wastes –Drilling mud and drill cuttings –Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) –TENORM (technologically enhanced NORM) Groundwater contamination –Natural gas & other naturally occurring contaminants
Hydraulic Fracturing Worksite during blending and pumping of hydraulic fracturing fluids Photo from Occupational Safety and Health Administration website: mping
From USEPA at The Hydraulic Fracturing Water Cycle
Credit: Marcellus-shale.us
Issues associated with hydraulic fracturing Seismic activity Air pollution (e.g., compressor engines) Water supply for hydraulic fracturing –3-6 million gallons/well Groundwater contamination –Hydraulic fracturing fluids –Other naturally occurring contaminants
Issues associated with hydraulic fracturing Flowback and Produced water –Brine –Hydraulic fracturing fluids Disposal of wastewater (deep injection wells) –Seismic activity –Ground water contamination –Accidents, spills, illegal dumping in transit
Other general concerns associated with drilling Fires and explosions Release of toxic fumes (e.g. volatile organic compounds)
Pipelines
Credit: Marcellus-shale.us
Issues associated with pipelines Erosion and sedimentation Soil disturbance and re-vegetation (especially on crop and pasture land) Habitat loss –Forest fragmentation –Stream crossings –Wetlands
Issues associated with pipelines Right-of-way maintenance –Tree trimming, mowing, herbicide application Compressor stations (noise, vibration) Leaks
Processing facilities Credit: Marcellus-shale.us
Issues associated with processing facilities Sediment from rainwater runoff Spills Air pollutants –Leaking fumes –Flaring Vehicular traffic Noise and light pollution
The Wildcard: Cumulative Effects
For more information:
Well water interpretation tool
Contact Information Joe Bonnell
Images from marcellus-shale.us
Shale drilling pad and fluid impoundment SE of Amsterdam, OH
Shale drilling pad, condensate tanks and pipeline north of Bergholz, OH
Gas pipeline construction north of Harlem Springs in Carroll County, OH
Drilling pad next to a stream NW of Harlem Springs, OH in Carroll County