Gas Task Force Meeting Features Program On Hydrofracturing

Engineers Peter Rottler and Adam Bell from the oil and gas field services company, Schlumberger, presented a program on hydraulic fracturing and related topics at the September meeting of the Potter County Natural Gas Task Force. They described the additives that are included with the sand and approximately 5 million gallons of water used in a typical fracking operation. Between 20 and 25 percent of the water returns to the surface, contaminated with sodium and other naturally occurring substances.

Due to expenses incurred in the acquisition, transportation and treatment of water, much of it is being reused for subsequent hydrofracturing. New state total dissolved solids standards for discharges into public waterways have prompted more reuse and a search for other solutions. Some plants are treating contaminated water and, rather than discharging it, are selling it back to industry. On-site remediation is another option; more than a half-dozen companies are proposing to provide those services in Pennsylvania.