Unconventional Oil and Gas Extraction in Ohio: Regulations, Production and Water Quality

The Utica shale play is the main target for unconventional oil and gas extraction in Ohio. Over 2,000 wells have been drilled since the first in 2011. This rapid expansion has led to concerns over the availability of information and potential environmental impacts. An assessment of readily available data was done through an examination of the ODNR website for oil and gas regulations, permits, spud and completion reports, water usage and waste data, and complaints, as well as brine and de-icer application. Water quality testing of an exceptional warm water tributary in the Captina Creek watershed in Belmont County, Ohio indicated no lingering effects a year after the Schnegg well blowout. Lastly, the de-icing product AquaSalina® was analyzed. In addition to Na, Cl, Mg, and Ca, it was found to contain high concentrations of Br, Fe, Mn, As, Se, Sr, and Ba, in addition to 226Ra (600 pCi)