Hilcorp Responds to Two Earthquakes Near Its Wells
POLAND, Ohio -- Hilcorp Energy Co. issued a statement late Monday afternoon reporting that is "working with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources "to investigate multiple seismic events overnight. Early indications are the epicenter of one of these events was near Hilcorp wells in the Carbon Limestone Landfill in Poland, Ohio," the company said.
At mid-afternoon, ODNR halted drilling at Hilcorp's well pad at the landfill. The action followed two earthquakes this morning both of which had epicenters close to the well pad (READ STORY).
Hilcorp noted in its statement that there are no deep disposal injection wells in the area.
"It is far too early inthe process to know exactly what happened, and we are not aware of any evidence to connect our operations to these events," the company said.
The Ohio Oil and Gas Association also issued a statement late Monday, affirming its support for ODNR's decision "to suspend oil and gas activity near an area in Mahoning County that recently experienced seismic activity. It was the right thing to do to ensure the safety and peace of mind for area residents," said the industry group. "ODNR has the scientific resources and expertise to properly investigate this situation
Here is the full text of Hilcorp's statement:
"Hilcorp Energy Co. is currently working with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) to investigate multiple seismic events overnight. Early indications are the epicenter of one of these events was near Hilcorp wells in the Carbon Limestone Landfill in Poland, Ohio.
"It is far too early in the process to know exactly what happened, and we are not aware of any evidence to connect our operations to these events. We would also like to remind the community that a number of Utica wells have been drilled in Ohio in recent years without incident. Nevertheless, we do acknowledge that public safety is of paramount importance to our company. Accordingly, Hilcorp agrees with the ODNR that all activity at the site will be suspended immediately until we determine it is safe to continue our operations.
"To be clear, Hilcorp has no disposal wells in the area. The company’s operations at the Carbon Limestone site are Utica production wells. There are currently 7 wells on two pads at that site in various stages of development. Only one well is producing oil and gas at the moment.
"Hilcorp always strives to be a good neighbor and responsible corporate citizen in the communities that we operate in. We welcome the inquiry into exactly what happened in Poland and encourage state inspectors to provide the community with as much information as possible."
Copyright 2014 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
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