Oil and Gas at Your Door? (2005 Edition) - Earthworks

NON CONVENTIONAL OIL AND GAS
Cavitation
The coal brought to the surface (100 tons on average) during cavitation is burned on site, which
can last anywhere from 7 to 10 days. The pollution from burning this waste coal can be a concern
for nearby residents, especially because oil and gas well “completion techniques” like cavitation
are largely unregulated (e.g., they are exempt from certain environmental laws like the
Clean Air Act).
Cavitation Fire
In 2001, a fire outside of Durango,
Colorado, was ignited during the cavitation
of a coalbed methane well.
When the well was surged the escaping
gas ignited a grass fire, which quickly
spread to surrounding trees. Fortunately,
the fire did not reach any of the
nearby residences. The total cost of the
fire suppression was estimated by the
Bureau of Land Management to be
$500,000.
— Pearson, Mark. October, 2003. “Coalbed
Methane Well Ignites Forest Fire.” 182
• Pollution normally associated with coal burning includes: nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide
greenhouse gases, sulfur dioxide, lead and mercury.
• The noise associated with cavitation is a major concern for landowners, livestock and
wildlife. As mentioned above, jet-like noises can last for up to 15 minutes. If no notice is
provided to landowners, the abrupt and shocking sound can startle livestock and residents.
• According to one landowner, cavitation is one of the most “intimidating, dramatic and
disruptive gas well processes that impacts the living conditions” of residents in the Ignacio-
Blanco gas field in Colorado and New Mexico. 183 He describes: huge plumes of coal dust
and methane, which is then flared, producing an enormous fireball blast, often larger than
the height of the drilling rig; the blast also creates shock waves; the material removed
from the cavity is almost entirely coal, which is burned in a “blooie pit,” creating fire balls
of the size mentioned above.
It is possible that coal debris could
find its way into local drinking
water wells. The underground
explosions are not contained, and
consequently, could come in contact
with groundwater flows.
Decline in property
values of 22%
La Plata Country, CO
Decline in Property Values
A study in La Plata County,
Colorado, found that the location
of a coalbed methane well on a
property at the time of sale led to
a net reduction in selling price of
approximately 22%. 184 I-37