47-079-00601
Well drilled in 1956
Producing formation(s): Helderberg
Geographic location: latitude 38.455565, longitude -81.773598
Visited first in 2008
Amongst the gas wells along North and South Pocatalico River Roads is this well on North River Road.
The site had several problems. The access road was deeply rutted but otherwise well grassed, except at the entrance where it was quite muddy and torn up. Gravel at this point and in the ruts (creating a two track graveled road) is needed. The tank is set in a bowl shaped depression which we didn't measure but looked adequate. A rainwater drain wasn't seen. Behind the tank the leftover steel steps for the former tank lay, and this should be hauled away.
One problem is that the API number plate isn't on the well. We found it close by, lying face down, and set it on the wellhead. It needs to be firmly attached.
The site is well-grassed but the road is deeply rutted. Grading would destroy the good vegetative cover.
The road becomes muddier the closer it gets to River Road.
The metal at this well is in fairly good condition. The loose API tag is sitting on the wellhead.
The tank is down the hill, between the road and the well.
The tank's trapdoor is not locked and the old tank's steel steps should be hauled away.
Visited again in 2010
The site, including the access road, had become entirely overgrown when we visited. It was impossible to see the tank.
The wellhead was barely visible in the weeds.
The road was barely discernable.
Gas Well Site Visits
Examining Well Sites
How We Examined Well Sites
Environmental Assessment
Table with Links to Wells Visited
47-039-05714 Environmental Assessment
47-079-01492 Environmental Assessment
47-039-02026 Environmental Assessment
Gas Well Study is the examination of natural gas wells in West Virginia.
Underground Injection Control Class 2 Wells
These wells are used either for the disposal of oil and gas liquid waste or for the enhanced recovery of oil or natural gas.
Gas Well Study Site Visits
Annual reports, environmental assessments, and individual well information.
YouTube Videos
Select videos from the Gas Well Study YouTube channel.
What Happened at Fernow
An investigation into what caused the vegetation death in the land application area after landspraying hydraulic fracture flowback waste.
The Spill at Buckeye Creek
An investigation into a spill from a Marcellus well site into Buckeye Creek in Doddridge county.
The Details
Plunger Lift Technology on Gas Wells
Fluids Brought to the Surface during Production
Plugging a Well
How To Read a Lab Report
Information the Completion Report Provides
Casing and Cementing