Thursday, March 15, 2012
DEP tracking source of more methane in wells
MONTROSE, Pa. (AP) — State environmental officials are investigating the source of methane detected in three northern Pennsylvania water wells.
The Department of Environmental Protection says the gas could be coming from nearby gas drilling operations or a natural methane seep documented for more than a century at nearby Salt Springs State Park.
A DEP spokeswoman says regulators are comparing the unique chemical signature of that leak to a trio of wells in Franklin Township, Susquehanna County. Tests of one well in December showed the methane posed an explosion risk.
The Times-Tribune of Scranton reports the operator of two nearby wells was cited last year for defective casings or cement meant to protect aquifers.
Residents in nearby Dimock are suing a gas driller, claiming their wells were contaminated by methane from drilling.