CNX Resources contains gas leak in Utica well

CNX Resources contains gas leak in Utica well

Independent producer CNX Resources has suspended operations on a Utica shale well it is developing after containing a subsurface natural gas leak.

The well, located in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, released gas underground as a result of a pressure anomaly during hydraulic fracturing on 1 February. CNX stopped fracturing that well and other wells within the same well pad to stop the subsurface flow of gas.

Even through the well remediation was successful CNX said today fracturing will remain suspended while the company assesses the incident to determine the cause of the pressure anomaly. The company said it will monitor the well for the next several days and will monitor nearby gas wells to manage any potential transfers of gas from the well that leaked.

The producer did not immediately respond to an inquiry about potential impacts to gas flowing to market or how long operations will remain suspended.

The well was contained with no injuries or impact to the environment, CNX said. The producer is working with the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County to address the situation.

CNX Resources operates in the Appalachian production region. In the fourth quarter of 2018 it sold 1.5 Bcf of natural gas equivalent (Bcfe/d) (42mn m³e/d).