In the Morgantown CTL office, we are currently involved in the oil and gas industry from the beginning stages of permitting to the end stages of responding to issues that may arise in the field. At this time, CTL is currently working with companies who are extracting natural gas from the Marcellus Shale, which extends through West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. The Marcellus Shale is a deep geologic formation that was formed approximately 380 million years ago and covers parts of Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and New York.

The Marcellus Shale is found between 4,000 and 8,500 feet below the earth’s surface and is 50-200 feet thick. It is estimated to hold over 500 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Even if only 10 percent of the gas is recovered, it would be enough to fuel the entire United States for two years and would be worth over $1 trillion.

The assistance CTL provides varies based on the company’s needs as well as government regulations in place. Regulations in some jurisdictions can be more stringent than others. The beginning stages can range from assistance with site selection and wetland delineations, to deciding on an appropriate water source for well pad activities.

Assisting with site selection typically involves a site visit, a wetland delineation, and surveying. It is also important to factor in access routes both on and off the property, utility lines that may be crossed, local geology, and the land owners wishes. A habitat evaluation is also recommended to avoid issues with potential endangered species which may reside in the area.

Once the site has been selected and the activity planned, permitting can begin. Types of permits are numerous and vary based on the activity and location. These can include permits for the pad, the pipeline route, surface water withdrawal, nationwide permits, floodplain permits, sediment and erosion control plans, and the Preparedness, Prevention and Contingency (PPC) plan along with others.

In addition to permitting, CTL performs design work and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) mapping. Based on the companies needs we offer services for surveying and design work of pads, pipelines, and impoundments. Using GIS data, our office can create site location maps which are used with the permits. A GIS map can show pipeline routes, areas of expected disturbance, and areas that may need to be avoided due to issues with slope, soil type, potential wetlands, etc.

Once permits are submitted, CTL follows up with state regulators on the review process and informs clients when they can begin construction. Once construction has concluded, CTL again follows up on safety plans and notice of violations to keep a project in compliance with set rules and regulations.

Natural gas extraction in the Marcellus Shale area has become a highly popular endeavor for companies throughout the United States. These companies are benefitting from CTL’s services, which extend through each stage of the extraction process, from permit attainment to GIS mapping to follow-up with state regulators.