Unmeasured Methane from Abandoned Wells

A study published in Water Resources Research late last month found fractures caused by the hydraulic fracturing process in surrounding Marcellus rock formations in New York state are able to reach damaged and abandoned oil and gas wells, and can provide a pathway for methane to surface. The model put the probability of new fracking-induced fractures that would connect to old damaged wells at between .03% and 3%, but the co-writer of the report, Professor George Pinder, says even a small percentage can potentially pose an environmental risk.