While I agree that we want to avoid overly broad statements, recent data from EPA makes it clear that the air emissions during well completions are significant, so much so that they largely undermine the value of natural gas as part of a greenhouse gas mitigation strategy. EPA now estimates that the volumes of VOCs released during hydrofracking are 9000 times that of "conventional" vertical wells. States that have strict air regulations have required that most of these hydrocarbon emissions be captured, and this is actually a significant profit center for those gas wells. But West Virginia has virtually no air pollution control requirements or even monitoring requirements. Estimates are that as much as 10 % of the methane produced by a well are released directly to the air during hydrofracking and well completion. In some cases, that means that gas actually has a larger greenhouse gas footprint than burning coal.
Furthermore, other recent analyses suggest that development of new natural gas reserves will add to, rather than replace, the greenhouse gas emissions of coal. Unless and until some form of carbon restrictions are imposed, there is no incentive to replace coal with gas, and new gas reserves will simply lead to higher energy consumption.
EPA's data has certainly caused me to reconsider my earlier support of natural gas as part of a climate mitigation strategy. So, while the statement may have implied that all geologic formations are to be opposed, I think the intent was that hydrofracturing is opposed, at least the currently unregulated processes used.
JBK
"Paula Hunt" warhunt@hrea.coop 5/18/2011 8:36 AM >>>
I have to agree with Bob Shumaker. The first sentence is too simplified and broad; I don't believe it is what MVCAC really wants to say. The vast majority of gas wells (both vertical and horizontal in any formation) are fracked, so it sounds as if we want all gas-well drilling to cease immediately. I know the Council meeting was last night and time is of the essence, but I feel if we make a statement it needs to be carefully crafted. Dr. Shumaker has the expertise to help, if he has the rime (sorry to volunteer you Bob).
- paula
--- rcshumaker@mail.wvu.edu wrote:
From: "Robert Shumaker" rcshumaker@mail.wvu.edu To: Duane330@aol.com,mvcac@cheat.org Subject: Re: [MVCAC] <DRAFT> Marcellus Wells in Morgantown: Propose additions or corrections? Date: Tue, 17 May 2011 16:43:56 -0400
The first two sentences make it sound as if MVCAC is against all wells into gelogic formations. I presume that your mean the two wells up-stream from our water supply. To be against all gas wells is a very radical position whcih places MVCAC at the extreme end of the spectrum. I hope that people understand that there are perhaps 100,000 wells in the Huron shale (near the Marcellus) across the Appalachian basin that currently supply relatively clean natural gas for many of us in our homes. We use it every day. Duane330@aol.com 5/17/2011 10:25 AM >>> MON VALLEY CLEAN AIR COALITION (MVCAC)
Marcellus Gas Well In Morgantown Industrial Park
The MVCAC opposes the drilling of natural gas wells into the Marcellus or other geologic formations involving hydro-fracking or other pressurized methods of breaking the formation. Pressurized fracturing methods result in hazardous and dangerous conditions for the local workers, for the local residents, and for the public and private facilities nearby. The two Marcellus wells recently sited at or near the Morgantown Industrial Park are too close to the other facilities of the Industrial Park, too close to the Skyview Elementary School, too close to the Westwood Middle School, too close to the County Athletic Field between these schools, and too close to the City of Morgantown. Air emissions are known to occur from such Marcellus wells during the drilling process, during the fracking process, during the completion process, and during the long period of their continuous operation (perhaps 30 years or more). These emissions include diesel fumes, sour gases, vapors from the fracking fluids, silica dust from the fracking sand, controlled and uncontrolled off-gases, vent gases, flare gases and possible blow-outs or explosions. Atmospheric conditions as temperature inversions can spread and retain these gases over the extended Monongahela River valley. Therefore, the MVCAC calls for an immediate secession of drilling activities at these sites and no further work on them.
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