Published: May 07, 2009 11:52 pm      

Energy exploration: Test wells planned to determine natural gas potential

PORTAGE — The Dallas-based Chief Oil & Gas LLC has its eye on natural gas that may be locked in Marcellus shale in parts of Cambria and Somerset counties.

Tom Walters of Appalachian Geophysical Services of Killbuck, Ohio, told Portage Township officials that his company will be in the area in about a month to begin testing.

The outcome could hold the potential for future natural gas wells.

The targeted area is Bens Creek in the northern part of Portage Township, with the possibility of stretching into Washington Township.

Plans are to drill a series of holes to a depth of 10 feet. Small explosive charges will be set off in each.

Information on the subsurface will be transmitted to a truck, where the data will be recorded.

“Chief Oil & Gas is putting together a map to determine (potential) wells,” Walters said.

The mapping will cover about 10.3 miles across the Bens Creek area, he said.

Similar testing also is being done in portions of Blair County.

In Somerset County, Middlecreek Township also is targeted for gas exploration.

If Chief decides to drill natural gas wells in the area, it could be some time before work begins, Walters said.

“It can take a year to read the information and before they do anything, he said.

The rush to tap natural gas stored in the Marcellus shale beds in Pennsylvania has eased since last year because of declining energy prices and the sluggish economy.

Chief opened an office in Wexford, Allegheny County, in April 2008, when companies were competing for gas drilling rights. That was to be the company’s operational base to manage drilling in parts of 54,000 square miles of Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and New York.

“This (drilling) has slowed down a lot because of the economy,” Walters said.

Should any drilling take place, Portage Township needs to proceed with caution, urged Jim Kissell, a Portage Borough councilman.

“There’s going to be a lot of people watching this,” Kissell told the supervisors.

He cited concerns about the potential for water contamination by the drilling process.

Walters said the drilling company would have to adhere to state and federal permit guidelines for water sources and how it is reclaimed or disposed.

A spokesperson for Chief did not immediately return telephone calls seeking comment.