I keep reading about “mid-stream operations” in shale news stories. What are they? Will

I keep reading about “mid-stream operations” in shale news stories. What are they? Will they ever effect me?

Midstream operations are all parts of oil and gas production from the time oil or gas leaves the wellhead until it goes to market.

These activities include things like processing, compression, storing, transporting and marketing of oil, natural gas and natural-gas liquids.

Because much of the midstream activity involves pipeline work to take natural gas, oil and natural gas liquids to a processing facility, there is a chance midstream operations could impact those who haven’t leased their land for oil and gas drilling.

Typically, leases contain a provision for pipelines, but pipelines will have to connect to processing centers and that could involve properties not leased for development.

For example, Springfield Township officials have stated they are the preferred destination of a planned new gathering pipeline infrastructure between Northeast Ohio and western Pennsylvania.

It seems unlikely that all the land needed for this line is already leased.

I went to look for work at One-Stop and thought I would see a list from shale companies. I didn’t see any! Why not?

Shale companies are not going to be the primary supplier of oil and gas development jobs.

There are only so many jobs at the well site and most companies at this point are using experienced oil and gas workers from other shale developments.

You have to remember there are only so many drilling rigs in the United States and they are moved from site to site.

However, you can find shale-related jobs listed, but they’re manufacturing jobs with companies like Weatherford or Exterran for planned sites in Youngstown, welding jobs, trucking jobs to ship supplies to and from drill sites or jobs for companies that provide supplies or services to the oil and gas industry such as Dearing Compressor or VEC Inc., which includes a pipeline company and an oil and gas construction company.

Seismic testing is starting to occur within Trumbull County. How does seismic testing work?

Seismic testing helps scientists identify rock formations that may hold oil and gas. Using seismic testing increases the likelihood that a developer will drill a successful well.

There are two processes that are commonly used for seismic testing the first involves setting off small explosive devices in holes dug 20 to 30-feet deep and recording the blast sound waves.

The other involves using trucks to shake the ground this with machines recording the resulting sound waves.

Both are used to create three-dimensional images of the rock formations underground.

Send your questions about the shale industry or d

velopment to news@shalesheet.com.