PA Environment Agency Suspects Drilling Behind Methane Bubbling From Susquenahanna River

[hatrack]

The state Department of Environmental Protection suspects that bubbles of methane gas that appeared in the Susquehanna River in Bradford County last week resulted from natural gas drilling, DEP Secretary John Hanger said Tuesday. DEP and Chesapeake Energy teams took samples throughout the weekend of the gas bubbles, which were first discovered Thursday in the North Branch of the Susquehanna.

Teams took samples in the area between two islands in the river and from its banks near the point where state Route 187 turns away from the river in Sugar Run, Bradford County. Though advanced analysis of the samples collected will not be available for several days, Hanger said it seems likely that gas is emanating from one of several nearby natural gas drilling sites, all of which are operated by Chesapeake Energy Inc.

Chesapeake spokesman Brian Grove said in a statement released Tuesday that the company is investigating three wells connected to its Welles drilling pad as potential sources of the methane migration. “Based on our field screenings, there is no immediate threat to public safety or the environment,” Grove added.

Hanger said DEP required Chesapeake to visit 26 homes near the affected area to measure methane in both free gas and well water. Elevated levels of methane were found at six properties, Hanger said.

EDIT

http://www.timesleader.com/news/Drilling_suspected_in_Bradford_County_river_bubbles_09-08-2010.html

[phantom power]

1. You know, it's been *years* since we could light a river on fire.

[pscot]

2. Burn on, big river

Burn on.

[hootinholler]

3. Fracking Bastards! n/t