Geologist advocates oil growth

On February 22, 2012 — No comments

Horizontal drilling in the Bakken oil field is done in a layer of stronger rock, not shale, according to geologist Kathleen Neset.

Business people gathered to hear Neset speak about horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing at the annual meeting of the Bismarck-Mandan Development Association, held at the Ramkota Hotel on Tuesday.

“I just think it’s very important that every one of us understands the horizontal drilling and the fracturing,” Neset said. “Then we’re each our own best advocates when talking to somebody else.”

The possible contamination of water aquifers by fracturing has raised environmental questions. Neset explained that fracturing is done at 10,000 feet and the potable water aquifers are usually at around 2,000 feet.

“That means you have 8,000 feet sealing off the surface aquifers from where we’re fracking,” Neset said.

Surface casing and cement provide more protection.

“You have all these layers of barriers sealing off the surface waters from the well,” Neset said.

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