Engineering expert calls for more data sharing on brine-injection wells
YOUNGSTOWN — An engineering expert called for more data sharing to determine underground formations before the installation of brine-injection wells.
Dr. Robert Chase, petroleum engineering professor at Marietta College, said formations can be detected using high-tech seismic tests, but that those tests are often conducted by the drilling industry and therefore proprietary.
"I think [that information] needs to be shared and utilized as much as possible," Chase said.
Chase testified today at a special hearing at Youngstown State University regarding injection wells and seismic activity.
Brine, a salty, chemical byproduct of natural gas and oil drilling, is disposed of through injection wells.
An injection well in Youngstown is suspected of causing 11 earthquakes with epicenters in the Mahoning Valley last year because of its proximity to an ancient buried fault line.
Chase said data on underground formations "is readily available," including known faults in Northeast and Southeast Ohio.
Chase said if injection-well owners inject fluid near a fault line, they are doing so at their own risk.
"They have to be prepared to suffer what they suffered here," he said. "They could be shut down if something like this happens."
For the complete story, read Wednesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com