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Marcellus Shale Operations
Our completion operations in Pennsylvania, focused on the Marcellus Shale, take place at depths between 4,000 and 8,500 feet underground.
As in Wyoming, we conduct our hydraulic fracturing operations at the depth of our target formation after we cement multiple strings of steel pipe into the well back to the surface to ensure that neither the fluids we use in the well nor the oil and gas we produce from the well enters the water supply. The fresh water aquifers in the areas of our Pennsylvania operations are typically found at depths of less than 1,000 feet: frequently more than one mile shallower than the depths at which we conduct our hydraulic fracturing operations.
Our typical frac in Pennsylvania is composed of almost 99% water and sand. The overall composition is set out below in detail:
Marcellus Shale Fracturing Fluid Composition
The components of the hydraulic fracturing fluids we use in Pennsylvania are, in many cases, also used in common household products. Additional information about the everyday uses of these products is in the table below:
| ADDITIVE | PURPOSE | COMMON USES |
| Acids (diluted) | Helps dissolve minerals and start fissures in the formation | Swimming pools, household cleaners |
| Biocide | Purifies and disinfects water; eliminates bacteria | Sterilizer for medical and dental equipment; disinfectant |
| Friction Reducer | Minimizes friction between the fracturing fluids and steel casing | Candy, make-up remover, laxatives |
| Sand | Holds tiny cracks in the formation open so gas can be produced | Water filtration, play sand |
| Scale Inhibitor | Prevents scaling and mineral deposits in the steel casing | Household cleaners, water treatments, caulk |