Marcellus Shale - Gas Wells

October 29, 2010

Natural gas fire in Susquehanna County probed

Significant environmental damage unlikely. Marcellus Shale fire quickly contained.

By Andrew M. Seder aseder@timesleader.com
Times Leader Staff Writer
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AUBURN TWP. – The state’s Department of Environmental Protection is investigating a Tuesday night fire at a natural gas well pad and trying to determine the cause.

The fire occurred at a separator tank at a site operated by Chesapeake Energy in Auburn Township, a rural municipality of about 1,800 in the southwest corner of Susquehanna County, bordering Wyoming and Bradford counties.

The tank ignited at approximately 8 p.m. and was extinguished at around 10 p.m., according to DEP. Brian Grove, senior director for corporate development with Chesapeake Energy, said that “thanks to the trained and professional response of Chesapeake and community emergency responders, a fire … was quickly contained and extinguished.”

The well was producing natural gas from the Marcellus Shale formation through a pipeline away from the wellhead to a production unit where a valve failed, leaked natural gas and caught fire.

“Fortunately, this incident does not appear to have caused any significant environmental contamination thanks to the prompt response efforts of the local emergency responders and the company,” said DEP Secretary John Hanger in a news release noting that no injuries or evacuations were reported as a result of the incident. “We’ll be investigating this operation closely to see what can be learned by both the department and gas well operators.”

Grove said it appears that “the fire occurred after a piece of equipment experienced erosion wear and created a spark.” He said automated safety mechanisms restricted the fire until emergency crews and Chesapeake operations personnel arrived and shut down both wells.

Chesapeake notified the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency at approximately 8:30 p.m. DEP dispatched an oil and gas inspector immediately. The site will remain closed until repairs can be made and DEP completes its investigation.

Chesapeake Energy has been issued 698 permits to develop natural gas in Pennsylvania, 697 of which are located within the Marcellus Shale. The company operates 187 wells in the state, 182 of which are in the Marcellus Shale.

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