Also, many access roads are poorly installed and cause severe erosion and sedimentation to the stream.
What happens: Impacts to surface and ground water resources are evident as a result of historic well development. Ground water resources contaminated as a result of oil and gas development experience elevated levels of sodium (having the same effects as high salt diets), chloride (which is corrosive to plumbing and fixtures), calcium, magnesium (Calcium and magnesium together create “total hardness.”), potassium, barium (Barium is very toxic.), strontium and sulfate (Sulfate causes laxative effects.). In addition, oil and gas leach into developed aquifers from leaking production wells and improperly sealed abandoned wells.
Often, access roads for new oil and gas wells are not planned, only created. Because these roads are not well planned, the often wash out causing erosion and sedimentation to Huff Run.
What we want to do: At this point, the HRWRP is putting the oil and gas problem last on their list of priorities (AMD being first). We will keep adding to ODNR/MRM's list of abandoned wells but we also want to talk to landowners about their wells and start conversation with the oil and gas companies about construction of better access roads and possible leaks.
ODNR/MRM Oil and Gas website
ODNR/MRM Orphan Well Program
