Leasing Your Oil and Gas Rights: The Potential Impacts of Well Drilling and Operation on Your Land

A.E. Ext. 82-28The drilling, development and operation of a gas well result in dramatic disruptions to the soils along the access roads and at the drilling site. Such disruptions may result in increased concentrations of runoff water, increased soil erosion, and increased soil wetness. Disruptions at the drilling site may increase problems of soil wetness and result in problems of high soil acidity, low soil fertility, and poor soil structure. The cost of correcting such conditions, as well as the cost of seed, should be considered. During site preparation and reclamation, the topsoil should be kept separate, and spread over the top of the drilling site. Collection lines may disrupt subsurface drainage. Access roads may require maintenance, and perhaps fencing to exclude livestock. Most of these potential impacts can be eliminated or reduced by some advance planning. Technical assistance may be obtained from your local Cooperative Extension office or your local Soil and Water Conservation District