Marcellus Shale FAQs

How long does it take to drill a well and begin producing natural gas?
Horizontal drilling currently takes approximately 18-25 days from start to finish. Then, the well needs to be fracture stimulated in order to release the gas. It is then connected to a pipeline, which transports the gas to the market. From drilling to marketplace, the entire process can take up to 3-4 months.

What is fracture stimulation?
Marcellus Shale wells do not produce commercial quantities of natural gas until they have been fracture stimulated (fraced). Fracing involves placing sand, water and a frac fluid down the well at high pressures to create very small fractures in the shale. The sand holds the fractures open to allow the gas to flow to the surface.

Will drilling pollute our water supply?
Drilling for natural gas does not pollute groundwater, as the gas is extracted from an area far below the water table under impermeable layers of rock. Multiple layers of casing and cement are installed for additional protection.

How much water will the drilling process use?
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission has stated that at the height of production in a few years, gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale formation is expected to use about 28 million gallons per day, less than half of the 50 million gallons of water currently used per day by golf courses in the basin and far less water than power plants use.

What are the benefits of developing the Marcellus Shale?
The large volume of natural gas within the Marcellus Shale would help reduce the United States' dependency on foreign energy sources. If even 10% of the estimated 500 trillion cubic feet of gas is recovered it could supply all of America's gas needs for two years.

Development of Marcellus Shale will also provide significant economic benefits.

It will increase gross state product, create new jobs and provide money for new businesses, schools, and roads. Landowners who lease their property will also earn royalties on gas produced from their land.

Natural gas is one of the cleanest fuel choices for electricity and transportation. It creates no harmful greenhouse gases and reduces air pollution.

Where can I find more information about leasing my land for natural gas drilling?
Information is available on our Landowner and Leasing Info web page. You can also reach a Chief representative at 1-866-770-5827 or email leasing@chiefog.com with any inquiries.