To Drill or Not to Drill?

     That, I believe is the question at this point in time. Much controversy has resulted from the utilization of hydraulic fracturing. Whether you are for drilling or against it, I ask that you please take a moment to read my position.

     Hydraulic fracturing as a practice and shale harvesting in general have been under fire in the recent years, and for good reason. Hydraulic fracturing is still a relatively new method of mineral and gas extraction, and not coincidentally, further study, examination, and analysis of its workings should and must be considered before it can be implemented as a recognized and trusted method of extraction. I do not claim to be any sort of authority on the geological or scientific subtleties of "fracking," but I will ask those authorities to exercise their undoubtedly reputable logic and common sense when dealing with something as critical as drilling. I speak for the welfare of all those involved when I say that I am for drilling, but I am also for nature. I recognize that drilling is utterly essential to satiate our fueling needs, however I know that if more time is invested into the observation and experimentation of hydraulic fracturing, we can have our fuel and minimize our environmental impact simultaneously. Drilling is, as it has always been, a lucrative business; and obviously our economy will benefit significantly from its revenues which I think is wonderful. I also understand this argument from an environmental perspective which, at least in my opinion, is just as important. I have learned that nature is to be respected, and should always be considered because it is necessary for our existence and survival. I would kindly and respectively ask anyone who would attempt to argue that to provide me with one substantial proof that says otherwise. That being said, I ask you readers, what is your position, and why do you stand for that particular position? I look forward to reading your thoughts, comments, and opinions concerning what I have said and what you believe. Thank you for your time and understanding. Any constructive criticism is thoroughly welcomed.

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Permalink Reply by time will tell on December 17, 2011 at 3:50pm

Very well put james . Thats how I felt also . I own several wells and produce them and I think that if some one is looking for answers this should be the place rather than a one sided wacko group . 

The things I post are from experience not from what is read or second hand news .

I have land in 2 counties that I can lease .What happen to me will not happen again .

Keep the questions coming .

Ian if your not sincere please don't muddy the water . That's the kinda fuel that the 

no - drill no -way wacko crave . 

Permalink Reply by dr j on December 17, 2011 at 4:24pm

James- I too appreciate the Ian types, the method is what I question.  Reading quietly here is where he will get his answers.   THere is enough information on this site, directly and linked, to provide more info than he can assimilate in weeks.  He could spend hours and hours on his own critical thinking then come back here and discuss in specifics, not generalities.   That is where the discussion needs to be. "To drill or not to drill" - that cat is out of the bag.  I am sure you as a landowner realize you can be hell bent for leather against drilling and it matters not.   ONE large landowner nearby leases and you are "in it" like it or not.  Doesn't even take that really.....  the first wells drilled in Ohio were on land HBP by shallow wells.  This is a tidal wave- you can get swept away or build your boat.    

The basic premise of this whole post is what is flawed- "to drill or not to drill".  That's not where his energy and focus needs to be.  Go find out where the frack water goes.  Go find out how thick the concrete casings are and why.  Find out the depth of the wells drilled.  Find out what happens as they go through the shallower formations.  How do they deal with issues as they arise?  Who regulates what phase?  WHy?   WHere have the true documented problems been?  How have they been rectified and prevented in the future?   There is my constructive criticism.  

As mentioned above, I am willing to bet the environmental impact of a subdivision with 40 homes well exceeds that of a well pad with 6 fracked horizontals.  

There is already so much discourse "out there" on this site and many others in the exact same vein as this thread,  it is disingenuous or lazy to start a thread such as this.   

Permalink Reply by Frankie Jo on December 17, 2011 at 4:38pm

Call me paranoid if you like... his efforts are veiled. He could find out a great deal without starting a thread here. Someone trying to polish their debate craft by using some unedumacated hill people. OR?

Permalink Reply by Ian Reith on December 17, 2011 at 8:22pm

May God bless you too sir.

Permalink Reply by Frankie Jo on December 18, 2011 at 6:17am

As far as I can see, He already has. I'm married to a hard working spouse, we have four great kids and a pretty nice spread. Now, he's left this bounty a mile below us.

Dr J is right. I cannot not stop this by not signing. I've concluded this past summer my best choice is to band together with other landowners and try to get a lease that protects us from poor operating methods. Spent some time following a "sheep herder / rabbit farmer" around. Admittedly, it took me a couple months to realize the guy was lining people up for shearing. Then I found a solid landowners group by skimming through the threads here. I feel good about our representation and we are working through the leasing process.

One thing I am certain of, is you cannot legislate stupidity out of society. So even after good drillers are found and leases signed, we, the landowners, will have to chase these guys around like mother hens, maiking sure they do what they promised. Because ultimately, we will be the ones forced to live right on top of it. When I am dead and gone, what will my children be dealing with?

So now that you have gotten another story for record ... You still have not answered what has brought you here to post this thread. Most people simply read, I did. Your question smells like a bucket of chum. What did you glean from the answers of your bait filled question "To drill or not to drill" that could not be found by reading through all the already existing threads? What is your story that makes you so very interested in our quandry? Your efforts are veiled, your agenda is hidden, you lack a tangible motivator. Please fill in these blanks.

Permalink Reply by Frankie Jo on December 18, 2011 at 8:19am

You are not answering as concisely as you ask others to share - What brings you hear?

Permalink Reply by Frankie Jo on December 18, 2011 at 9:16am

You should restore the reply button on your postings - and No, I am asking Ian

Permalink Reply by ji on December 17, 2011 at 5:24pm

You are right dr. i. Very well said. Thanks for straightening this out.

Permalink Reply by Ian Reith on December 17, 2011 at 8:21pm

This is exactly the type of post I have been looking for, thank you. Whether or not you realize it, you have helped me here in several ways. Firstly, I like that you questioned the title of this discussion, which is not necessarily the premise. Obviously drilling is nearly unstoppable at this point, I liked the metaphor you used. Secondly, you brought up specifics versus generalities and you have a completely valid point in that regard. Lastly, you gave me direction to help to improve my perspective and understanding of the topic, good stuff.

0l1a6laz7smpfPermalink Reply by 0l1a6laz7smpf on December 17, 2011 at 8:44pm

Ian,   when in battle there usually is a guard on the tower watching so that the fort can be more secure...  some are referred to as 'watchdogs' when we as citizens want to be informed when we are not in knowledge of a situation or informed or are a novice at something...then we appreciate when one person takes the time to alert the others.....I commend you for taking the time.   But when most are waiting for the monies they were promised (royalties) and were told that the oil companies know what they are doing...then of course they want the oil companies to drill...that is why they leased to begin with.

So some may say to a 'watchdog'...mind your own business...but when they find that that one person who was doing right in sounding the alert...they thank him/her....but sometimes they don't even if they lose it all.

 

Here is a link to view just why there are concerns.  

http://planetsave.com/2011/11/07/oklahoma-earthquake-fracking/

Notice they are referencing about the 'injection procedure' not the fracking.

i am looking forward to royalties when the time comes...but I have a contract that is poorly written for the landowner and I deal with an oil company that has sold lease shares for a good profit within a year of doing the lease and has not communicated even when putting my acreage in a unit (i had to find out months later)...so knowing now that I cannot trust them (even with the gross royalty there is reason to be concerned when one has a 'market enhancement clause' in their contract)....so with that said, "why would I trust them to care about our terrain and water?"  They have their gain already in market profits off the lease share sales even to foreign countries...surely they want to drill but at what cost to the environment and do they even care anymore?   So I say Let them drill...but do so with respect, diligence, and intelligence to what they are doing to our country!  But let our environmental friends and state agencies immediately get involved to be the overseer or watchdog cause they cannot be trusted as they have already cheated many in their crafty tricky clauses.  

Permalink Reply by ji on December 17, 2011 at 4:20pm

It's safe to say it'll be more friendly. 

2s72s0k9mm8gdPermalink Reply by 2s72s0k9mm8gd on December 18, 2011 at 8:58am

Not all of us are fortunate enough to have sprawling amounts of land and be already "set" with or without a shale gas industry. For most of us shale gas is our only ace in a deck full of deuces. The only thing that will bring us , finally , a measure of wealth after a life of toiling to just survive.

So , yes , we can get a little jumpy when we perceive a threat to our hopes. Call me a waco if it makes you feel better but at least try to understand we are not all that fond of being manipulated by those who wish our future harm either. Learn from history.....Ever hear of a Trojan Horse?

Hydraulic fracturing is the linchpin , the keystone , of shale gas production as we know it today. What would you strategically go after and try to destroy if your goal was stopping our shale gas industry?

How many wells have been drilled using this technology since it's inception?

How many documented and VERIFIED negative incidents have FACTUALLY occurred?

This technology has been vetted well enough to be allowed by the multitude of agencies that represent ALL OF US.

As I see it there is little to be feared or discussed further pertaining to "fracking".

The sensationalism surrounding "fracking" is to our shale gas industry as the little white seal pups being being bludgeoned was to the fur industry.

As far as loving nature goes , who loves our land nore than those of us who live on it and experience it every day of our lives? I have trapped , hunted , and fished , these sacred hills and valleys of Western PA all of my life and will till I die! Don't ever question my love for this land!

No sir , I ain't no Waco......Just a common man with common sense and a pretty strong belief system that suits me just fine! Us true country folks have been this way for many generations and will continue be so for generations to come!   

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