Our look at
RESTORED MARCELLUS GAS WELL SITES

Many of us have heard group presentations by gas drilling companies proclaiming to restore the land to its original condition. Some gas drilling companies are even bolder, claiming to restore the land to even better condition than it was originally. Unfortunately, both claims can seem far-fetched when you look closely, or walk the ground, at former gas drilling sites.

SECTION VI
WELL SITE RESTORATION

A. Well Site Restoration

1. Within nine months after completion of drilling the well, the oil and gas well owner or operator must restore the land surface within the area disturbed in siting, drilling, completing and producing the well. This includes:

a. Removing or filling all pits used to contain produced fluids or industrial wastes. Standards for disposal of drill cuttings and wastes, and closing the pits are discussed in Section V.

b. Implementing erosion and sediment control measures to minimize the potential for accelerated erosion and sedimentation. Standards for erosion and sediment control area discussed in Section II.

c. Removing all drilling supplies not needed for production. Drilling supplies and equipment not needed for production may be stored at the well site if the express written consent of the surface landowner is obtained.

2. Within nine months after plugging a well, the owner or operator must remove all production or storage facilities, supplies and equipment and restore the well site.

3. The Department may extend the restoration period for an additional six months upon application of the well owner or operator providing evidence of inability to comply due to adverse weather conditions or lack of essential fuel, equipment or labor.

4. Requirements for site restoration are contained in Sections 206 and 603.1 of the Oil and Gas Act and 25 Pa. Code §§ 78.53 to 78.65 of the Oil and Gas Well Regulations (refer to Appendix 1).

B. Well Site Restoration Report

Within 60 days after the restoration of the well, the operator must submit a “Well Site Restoration Report” to the Department. The report is to be made using form 5500-FM-OF0075 “Well Site Restoration Report.” The report contains information on land application of tophole water, on-site waste disposal, and on-site cutting and waste disposal. Waste volumes reported on this form are not to be included on the “Annual Well and Waste Production Report.”

Well Site Restoration Report PA DEP
Well Site Restoration Report (PDF-107KB)

Source: Pennsylvania DEP

The photo below, of a site restoration in progress, begs these questions:
What contaminants have been buried onsite?
Who holds the liability once the driller is gone?
Will any spilled or buried toxins seep into a water well or aquifer?

Needless to say, some companies are better than others, but this photo gallery will provide photos of restored sites, semi-restored sites, and sites that may never get fully restored.