Water Sample Test Kits for Marcellus Drilling Available
Landowners who are considering leasing their land for natural gas or oil drilling, or live close to an area where oil or gas wells may be drilled are advised to test their private drinking water wells or springs before such drilling occurs. That’s the advice of Mike Hogan, Ohio State University Extension Educator who is working with landowners who are considering leasing their land for oil and gas extraction.
“We always recommend that landowners obtain some very specific tests of their water supplies before any drilling occurs, as this gives reliable baseline data of the quality and quantity of the water supply before any drilling begins,” says Hogan. Such baseline data can be useful when a landowner suspects contamination or damage from oil or gas extraction activity.
Water sampling kits are available free of charge at the Jefferson County Office of OSU Extension, located at 135 Main St, Suite A, Wintersville. These kits can be used by landowners to submit water samples for testing which includes tests for contaminants of specific concern near oil and gas wells. Samples are tested by Penn State University and the laboratory fee is $65.
Hogan further recommends that when landowners negotiate oil and gas leases, that they incorporate the cost of periodic water testing into the lease. “By all means get the lessee to pay for water testing, but be sure that you as the landowner, or a disinterested third party have control over sampling and testing. That’s just good business,” says Hogan.
For more information, contact the Jefferson County Office of OSU Extension at 740.264.2212.
