What are they drilling for in the Marcellus Shale?
About Marcellus Shale Low-yield natural gas wells have been drilled in the Marcellus Shale for more than 50 years, but recent technological advancements in deep horizontal drilling combined with hydraulic fracturing techniques have exposed the possibility of more profitably tapping the shale for gas.
How long will Marcellus Shale gas last?
Marcellus Shale gas wells are expected to produce for 30 to 50 years, and perhaps much longer.
How long does it take to drill a Marcellus gas well?
two to four weeks
A typical Marcellus well, which starts out vertically and ends horizontally, takes two to four weeks to drill. After this, the drill rig is moved off the site and the fracking process itself begins. Fracking operations are normally completed in a short period of time—typically between one and five days.
How long do oil royalties last?
In general, an oil or gas field will produce for up to 35 years on average. Given all the ups and downs in the stock market and other commodity-based investments, an investment that can generate income for over 20 years is a good investment for those seeking secure, long-term returns for their investment dollars.
Should Pennsylvania encourage drilling for natural gas in the Marcellus Shale formation?
The short-term economic benefits of extracting natural gas from the Marcellus Shale Formation are beneficial to Pennsylvania, but with limited extraction lifespan and documented health and environmental hazards, continued drilling is not a long-term energy source.
What are the potential consequences to the environment from shale gas development?
The environmental risks of large-scale commercial shale gas development in the United States include water consumption, water contamination, seismic inducement and air pollution.
How long does the average natural gas well last?
20-30 years
Oil and natural gas production of one well can last up to 20-30 years. After its years of producing energy resources, a well finally reaches retirement.
How often do royalty checks come?
Initially, it can take five months or longer before you receive your first royalty check from the first sale on your well. From that point on, royalty checks will generally continue to be issued and mailed by the end of each month—as long as the well is producing.