FracTracker Finds Widespread Hydrocarbon Emissions from Active & Idle Oil and Gas Wells and Infrastructure in California

By Kyle Ferrar, MPH/August 22, 2022 / 15 minute read

VIEW STORY MAP: TOXIC EMISSIONS FILMED AT LEAKING OIL AND GAS INFRASTRUCTURE IN CALIFORNIA

VIEW DYNAMIC MAP: FRACTRACKER OIL AND GAS LEAKING INFRASTRUCTURE COMPLAINTS

Overview

Using a FLIR-Teledyne GF320 optical gas imaging camera, FracTracker spent seven days (August 1-7, 2022) inspecting oil and gas infrastructure in Los Angeles County, Kern County, and Ventura County. The inspections of drilling sites and production facilities prioritized idle well-sites, following the discovery of 49 leaking idle wells in Bakersfield. In addition to idle wells, the field trip focused on neighborhood and urban drilling sites, which present the highest risk of exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for frontline communities. VOCs are known to cause respiratory harm and certain chemicals such as benzene are known carcinogens. Benzene and other toxic VOCs are components of gaseous emissions from oil and gas production infrastructure, and concentrations of these chemicals have been found to be elevated near oil and gas production facilities.

FracTracker inspected over 400 wells and other pieces of infrastructure at nearly 100 different drill sites. Leaks and sources of uncontrolled emissions were documented in each of the three counties. In total, FracTracker filed 68 air quality complaints with local air districts: 41 to the South Coast Air Quality Management District, 23 to the San Joaquin Valley air pollution control district, and four to the Ventura County air pollution control district. Inspectors from each district are actively investigating and several notices of violations have already been issued.

The complaints included leaks and uncontrolled emissions documented from the following pieces of oil production infrastructure:

23 well-heads, including 21 idle wells
35 tank facilities
9 VOC combustors
2 flares

The full FracTracker report includes discussions of these various sources of leaks and uncontrolled emissions, as well as the applicable state and local regulations. A digital map of the 68 complaints with links to OGI and DSLR imagery of the facilities and emissions plumes is provided, as well as a guided story map presenting descriptive summaries of particularly serious leaks and other complaints generally representative of common leaks. These widespread leaks highlight the need for a statewide setback between existing oil and gas projects and homes, schools, and other sensitive receptors in order to reduce exposures for frontline communities. Governor Newsom has signaled support for this type of protection through legislation and regulations–the state should adopt and implement these long overdue protections as quickly as possible.

Toxic Emissions Filmed at Leaking Oil and Gas Infrastructure in California

This StoryMap explores a selection of wells and production facilities where emissions were documented. The map takes viewers on a tour of these production facilities and presents the OGI footage of the leaks and plumes of emissions.

Place your cursor over the image and scroll down to advance the StoryMap.

Click on the icon in the bottom left to view the legend.

Scroll to the end of the StoryMap to learn more and access the data sources.

View Full Size Map | Updated 8/21/2022 | Map Tutorial

Introduction

FracTracker Alliance recently took to the field in collaboration with grassroots groups and community organizations in California including the Central California Environmental Justice Network (CCEJN) in Kern County, Climate First: Replacing Oil and Gas (CFROG) in Ventura County, and Sierra Club in Los Angeles County. From August 1-7, 2022, FracTracker’s Western Program Coordinator (a certified thermographer) inspected over 400 individual oil and gas wells and pieces of infrastructure at nearly 100 different drill sites, in the counties of Los Angeles, Kern, and Ventura. Using state-of-the-art technology called optical gas imaging (OGI), we documented otherwise invisible toxic pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) being released from oil and gas wells and other infrastructure. These emissions represent an immediate environmental health threat to frontline communities and all individuals present near these oil production facilities.

Using a FLIR GF320 optical gas imaging camera, FracTracker visually observed and recorded leaks and uncontrolled releases of methane and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. These toxic, carcinogenic pollutants and greenhouse gasses are invisible to the naked eye, but visible in the infrared spectrum. This short report details the findings of this field work and presents the footage of leaks and uncontrolled emissions discovered at the oil production well-sites and collection facilities. All leaks and emission sources have been reported as complaints to the local air districts as well as other appropriate agencies responsible for emergency response. The locations of these leaks and uncontrolled emissions can be viewed in the map in Figure 1 below.

FracTracker Oil and Gas Leaking Infrastructure Complaints

This interactive map looks at oil and gas drilling and production sites in California counties where leaks were detected using a FLIR-Teledyne optical gas imaging camera.

View the map “Details” tab below in the top right corner to learn more and access the data, or click on the map to explore the dynamic version of this data. Data sources are also listed at the end of this article.

In order to turn layers on and off in the map, use the Layers dropdown menu. This tool is only available in Full Screen view.

Items will activate in this map dependent on the level of zoom in or out.

View Full Size Map | Updated 8/21/2022 | Map Tutorial

Figure 1. Map of oil and gas drilling and production sites where leaks were detected using a FLIR-Teledyne optical gas imaging camera, model GF320. The icons on the map provide links to folders that house the recorded footage and DSLR imagery, as well as the complaint reports, for each site.

Health Considerations

It is most important to stress that the filmed emissions present an immediate risk to the frontline communities with homes and schools located near these drilling and production sites. The composition of volatilized emissions from crude oil and natural gas production has been thoroughly studied, and the presence of toxic and carcinogenic BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes) chemicals is well established. Prolonged (chronic) exposure to BTEX compounds can affect the kidney, liver and blood systems. Long-term exposure to high levels of the benzene compound can lead to leukemia and cancers of the blood-forming organs. These chemicals are also neurotoxins and respiratory and skin irritants. While in the field at urban drilling sites, the thermographer and colleagues regularly experienced burning eyes, headaches, nausea, difficulty breathing, and fatigue. In addition to local health impacts, these chemicals also degrade regional air quality and are known to be elevated near oil and gas production in California. They are also precursors to ground level ozone, the main component of smog, as well as being potent greenhouse gasses. In addition to respiratory irritation and cancer risk from BTEX compounds, ground level ozone can reduce lung function causing a variety of health problems including chest pain, coughing, throat irritation, and congestion, and it can exacerbate bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma.

In response to pressure from grassroots organizations and frontline communities Governor Newsom ordered CalGEM to start a public health rule-making process. That was nearly three years ago. Since then CalGEM has released a regulatory proposal that includes a combination of engineering protections and a public health setback for new drilling permits. Setbacks are buffer zones that act as a type of zoning ordinance to prevent the development or expansion of industrial and extractive industries within sensitive use areas. California is the only major oil extraction state without a public health setback for oil and gas drilling. While the draft rulemaking is a good start, its one major shortcoming is that it applies only to the drilling of new wells – it does not apply to redrilling and reworking of wells on existing wellpads, which composes three quarters of all drilling activity since the beginning of 2021 (75.4%). As of this writing, Governor Newsom is proposing legislation that would enact the 3,200-foot setback into statute and apply it to redrilling and reworking in addition to new wells, as part of a larger end-of-session climate package proposal.

Leaking Idle Wells

California’s aging oil and gas infrastructure is in a state of disrepair. As oil and gas infrastructure and wellheads age, new leaks and emission sources appear. For example, state regulators recently identified 49 leaking idle wells in May (2022) following a complaint submitted by FracTracker on behalf of a community concerned over one possibly leaking well in their east Bakersfield neighborhood (see Appendix A for dataset from CalGEM). The discoveries of these leaks coincided with the news that inspectors at the state regulatory office, the California Department of Geological Energy Management (CalGEM), were conducting thousands of inspections remotely—from their offices rather than actually being present at the well-sites. Following the reporting of the 49 leaking wells in Bakersfield in May, FracTracker visited Bakersfield in June and inspected idle wells using a FLIR optical gas imaging sensor/camera. The results of that field trip included the identification of additional leaking wells discovered by FracTracker.

While the August field investigation did not discriminate between active and idle drilling sites, particular attention remained focused on inspecting idle wells. As oil wells and production infrastructure at drill-sites age, pipe connections loosen, teflon tape degrades, flange connections fail, bushings harden, and rust corrodes and degrades equipment. These issues eventually occur at all drilling sites whether wells are actively producing oil and gas or sitting idle, resulting in leaks. In many cases human error also plays a role. Additionally, idle wells do not receive the same amount of attention or maintenance from operators as active operations, and a lack of inspections from CalGEM and local air districts at these sites have resulted in high counts of leaking wells.

Building upon the 49 leaking idle wells identified by CalGEM in Bakersfield (See Appendix A), this field trip identified an additional 21 leaking idle wellheads previously unreported. This count includes the identification of eight leaking wells in Kern County and six near Bakersfield not previously identified by CalGEM. Two of the wells are operated in the Fruitvale field by Sunray petroleum, the same operator as a portion of the leaking idle wells identified in east Bakersfield. FracTracker discovered two more leaking wellheads operated by Sequoia Exploration, Inc. in the City of Arvin, located downtown in the city park, next to a playground and an elementary school. In Los Angeles, 15 leaking wellheads at idled urban drilling sites were filmed leaking methane and VOCs in the neighborhoods West Carson (Torrance field) and Signal Hill (Long Beach field). A table summarizing the counts of leaking wells and infrastructure discovered in each district is presented below.

Table 1. Summary of the counts of documented leaks and emission sources by facility type.

Contractor Activity

It is very likely that the actual count of leaking idle wells discovered by regulators since May is much higher than reported by the agency. As we previously reported in the coverage of FracTracker’s June field work, many of the idle wells inspected by FracTracker had recently received maintenance from oilfield contractors. This maintenance work was not limited to Bakersfield. Many of the wells visited throughout Kern County and Ventura County had clear indications of maintenance and repair efforts, including new pressure gauges, new stainless caps, new teflon tape, and replaced nuts and bolts.

As was reported by CalGEM, this work was paid for directly by the agency, with the possibility of recouping costs from operators in the future. FracTracker is supportive of CalGEM for taking these measures to shore up the highest risk sites, but it is troubling that it required an environmental health emergency to begin this work. While the immediate maintenance and remediation work by contractors hired by CalGEM was limited to just the leaking wells identified in east Bakersfield, it is clear that regulators at CalGEM understood the widespread and systemic nature of the risk of leaking idle wells. That is why CalGEM began hiring contractors to complete this work at a handful of sites in Kern County, and possibly in other parts of the state as well.

Missing Spill and Leak Reports

Evidence from the field investigation indicates that there have been numerous leaks that were never reported as required under state law. FracTracker suspects that the count of idle wells determined by CalGEM contractors to be leaking (since the initial discovery of the leaking Bakersfield wells in May) has not been publicly disclosed. During this August field trip FracTracker inspected over 300 individual wellheads. While this number may sound high, it was actually very limited in scope to wells that were accessible and those located within communities and near homes as a matter of prioritization. The vast majority of the idle wells inspected had clear signs of very recent maintenance and remediation of varying pieces of infrastructure at each wellhead. This was consistent in both Kern and Ventura Counties, but not in Los Angeles. This type of maintenance service is not conducted blindly, as there are many small pieces of equipment on a wellhead that can leak (examples are shown in the story map below).

It is most likely that contractors had identified leaks and replaced the leaking equipment on these idle wells. These leaks, like the majority of the leaking wells initially identified in Bakersfield in May, were never reported to the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) as is protocol for all spills including vapor leaks, neither were they reported on the CalGEM website for the public. The webpage still lists just 41 leaking wells, while their dataset provided to community advocacy groups identifies 49 (see Appendix A). When FracTracker reached out to CalGEM for a list of wells identified as leaking by contractors, or even the list of wells remediated by contractors who were paid by CalGEM, we were informed that records with that information are not maintained. Without releasing these records CalGEM is effectively suppressing crucial data on the incidence rate of leaking idle wells, which other researchers have estimated is 65%, but may be much higher. In a state where the California Council on Science and Technology estimates the existence of nearly 70,000 idle and another 5,500 already orphaned wells, this information on leakage rates is vital.

Tanks

In addition to leaking idle wells, tanks continue to be a predominant source of VOC emissions in frontline communities. This remains true even though tank emissions are technically addressed by state regulations, and some districts such as the south coast even have their own additional regulations. Tanks were present at the majority of the nearly 100 drilling sites visited and inspected by FracTracker. Inspections with the OGI camera revealed uncontrolled tank emissions at 35 drilling sites, including 19 in Los Angeles County, 14 in Kern County, and two facilities in Ventura County. Like wells, these tanks are a major hazard for communities as the emissions include BTEX chemicals and other toxic and carcinogenic VOCs. Additionally, tanks are an explosive hazard. Methane and other hydrocarbons are often emitted at flammable concentrations, making these emissions streams a major explosive hazard similar to the risk documented at the leaking wellheads in Bakersfield in May.

Tanks on oil and gas drill sites typically include wash tanks and stock tanks. Wash tanks are a sort of separator, washing water and brine from the oil before it’s sent to a stock tank, where crude oil is stored onsite. These tanks are engineered to operate at or near atmospheric pressure, but pressure regularly builds up in the headspace of the tanks. This is the result of the produced fluid or crude oil off-gassing VOCs and other hydrocarbons, possibly due to particularly gassy production in some cases or otherwise due to increasing temperatures as the tanks heat up in the afternoon sun. Tank emissions are therefore typically documented from pressure-vacuum vents or hatches, which open as a safety mechanism to prevent tanks from exploding. This can occur when tanks either do not have vapor recovery systems or the vapor recovery system is not operating properly. At many of the sites, however, the tanks were damaged from some physical trauma or badly corroded and no longer air-tight.

Regulations

California Air Resources Board Regulations

At the state level, the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) regulates greenhouse gas emissions, including methane, from oil and gas production facilities (California Code of Regulations, Title 17, Division 3, Chapter 1, Subchapter 10 Climate Change, Article 4, Subarticle 13: Greenhouse Gas Emission Standards for Crude Oil and Natural Gas Facilities). These restrictions, however, are insufficient because of numerous loopholes, reliance on industry’s self-reporting, and lack of enforcement.

One major loophole in the CARB rules exempts many of the leaking tanks observed in this field investigation from installing the necessary equipment that reduces community exposure by capturing and controlling the emissions. The equipment, known as vapor recovery devices and systems are required only for separator and tank facilities that receive an average of more than 50 barrels of crude oil or condensate per day.

While small production facilities are still regulated to prevent emissions, they are exempt from the requirement of installing vapor recovery systems. In addition, the regulations for small facilities suffer from twin flaws that create a major loophole for many oil fields and smaller leaks that can accumulate. The first flaw exempts oil wells and production facilities that produce crude oil with an absolute gravity value (API) of less than 20. As much of the oil produced in the central valley is low quality tar-like crude, many wells qualify for this exemption. This includes all of the wells CalGEM found to be leaking in Bakersfield.

The second flaw is that leaks below 1,000 ppm are not actionable, and the accumulation of numerous smaller leaks at production facilities presents a risk of chronic exposure for frontline communities. For those oil wells that can be regulated (producing crude with an API > 20), the small producer rules are based on the concentration of methane in the leak. While this does not take into account the actual mass or volume of methane escaping, it allows inspectors to levy violations based on methane concentration measured with a simple methane detection device. The extent of the violation is determined by the concentration of methane with several actionable requirements based on concentration thresholds. The lowest threshold begins at a concentration of over 1,000 ppm and requires operators to fix the leak or stop the emissions, up to a minimum of 50,000 ppm that results in immediate fines, violations, and a suspension of production until the issue is resolved. Leaks under 1,000 ppm receive no response from the districts and are allowed to accumulate.

As a result of these loopholes, the majority of the inspected well-sites could be exempt from this section of the CARB rule given the following conditions: if the tank receives less that 50 barrels per day and the leak is below the 1,000 ppm methane threshold, or if the oil produced is considered heavy crude.

Local Air District Regulations

In addition to state regulations, certain individual air districts have adopted their own regulations. The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), for example, regulates emissions from nearly 8,500 operational oil wells and has additional rules at the local level to close these loopholes for small producer sites. The SCAQMD requires vapor recovery systems for all oil and gas facilities in the district versus this requirement for just large producer sites statewide. These additional local emissions regulations cover all facilities with tanks larger than 471 barrels (Rule 463) and emissions from all small producer sites [1148.1(D)(8)] as well, whereas the state regulations only apply to larger tanks. In contrast, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District has jurisdiction over more than 82,000 operational wells, but does not have additional rules to regulate these emissions sources.

CalGEM Regulations

While the air districts have limited jurisdiction over certain emissions scenarios, CalGEM maintains a more thorough jurisdiction that is up to the interpretation and implementation of the agency’s Supervisor. According to the California public resources code, the agency is tasked with inspecting wells and tanks, issuing remediation orders, reporting leaks to OES, and ordering plugging where there’s any unreasonable waste of gas. CalGEM also has the jurisdiction to require wells to be plugged and abandoned if they leak “natural gas”, stating “The blowing, release, or escape of gas into the air shall be prima facie evidence of unreasonable waste.” and “an order shall be made by the supervisor directing that the unreasonable waste of gas be discontinued or refrained from to the extent stated in the order.” (Public Resources Code section 3300 and 3308.) CalGEM should require oil companies to plug these leaking idle and marginally producing wells, but has not yet leveraged this tactic. As a result new leaks will continue to occur as these facilities continue to age and decay.

VOC Combustors

Operators have several options to deal with the hydrocarbons collected by vapor recovery systems. They can be injected back into the ground, sold to market, or combusted. Since the market for natural gas is so poor, and it costs money to inject it, most operators choose to just burn it. While the state CARB rules allow for simple flares and low-NOX incinerators to just burn it, the SCAQMD requires that operators use the gas and vapors as a fuel source. Operators therefore use it to fuel Raypak heaters, boilers, and other combustion devices. These combustion devices do not require permits as long as they qualify for the Rule 219(n) low NOX exemption. The district requires the devices meet a minimum destruction threshold of 95% of the methane in the fuel source, but according to the SCAQMD, the efficiency of the devices have never been tested.

The exhaust streams of the various VOC combustors inspected during the field trip were often concentrated in non-combusted methane and VOCs. FracTracker identified eight facilities where methane and VOCs were documented in the exhaust streams from combustion devices, and the plumes of exhaust were traveling over the fencelines of the facilities and into frontline communities. These nine facilities were therefore included in the list of complaints submitted to air district regulators, for their inefficient combustion devices. Additionally, three flares were reported as complaints; two in Kern that were burning inefficiently and one in the Santa Fe Springs field of Los Angeles that was unlit but still releasing emissions. Examples of complaints submitted for combustor exhaust and flares are provided in the storymap below, along with other complaints representative of the various categories of leaks discussed above (See also Table 1).

The Take Away

Leaks and uncontrolled emissions are a common occurrence for oil and gas infrastructure in California. This includes both active production drill sites and aging idled wells. The lack of oversight of idle wells by operators and regulators has resulted in leaks from the wellheads of idle wells becoming a systemic issue throughout California that has been ignored for decades. FracTracker’s field work shows that this is also the case for active tanks at drilling sites and collection facilities. While regulations exist to address tank emissions and leaking idle wells, inspections of these facilities have not been occurring. Additionally, active sites have not been required to meet the standards of the “new” emissions regulations, passed in 2017 and fully implemented in 2019. Furthermore, many of the tank facilities visited were repeat offenders, and uncontrolled emissions were documented at the same facilities and sometimes from the same exact sources as reported by FracTracker to the local air districts in previous years.

The systemic nature of these documented leaks is not an issue that can be addressed with engineering controls. When one leak is fixed, another often emerges shortly after, as the aging infrastructure has many fail points. New regulatory loopholes, such as venting through VOC combustors, also create new sources of emissions rather than actually reducing exposures. The only solution is to plug the wells and remediate the drilling sites. FracTracker urges the legislature and Governor Newsom’s administration to plug all idle wells, and develop protective public health setbacks of at least 3,200’ that include all existing wells and oil production infrastructure.

For questions please contact:

Kyle Ferrar, MPH
Western Program Coordinator
FracTracker Alliance
Ferrar@FracTracker.org

References & Where to Learn More

This dataset was provided by CalGEM (see Appendix A). It identifies the 49 idle wells determined to be leaking and provides data on the status of the leaks at the time of the dataset distribution (July 2022). The initial well inspections conducted by CalGEM occurred in May 2022.

Appendix A. Dataset of leaking Bakersfield wells from CalGEM

API	Well Designation	Operator	Well Issue	Repair Status	lat	lon
402908759	Needham-Bloemer1	Citadel Exploration Inc.	Leaking methane	Repaired	35.41319656	-118.913414
402908763	Needham-Bloemer14	Citadel Exploration Inc.	Leaking methane	Repaired	35.41439819	-118.9119186
402908770	Needham-Bloemer25	Citadel Exploration Inc.	Leaking methane	Repaired	35.41563797	-118.9134445
402908775	Needham-Bloemer30	Citadel Exploration Inc.	Leaking methane	Repaired	35.41637039	-118.9084015
402908776	Needham-Bloemer31	Citadel Exploration Inc.	Thought to be Leaking methane (6/2/2022)	Multiple subsequent in-person inspections found no leak	35.41379929	-118.9126511
402908779	Needham-Bloemer35	Citadel Exploration Inc.	Leaking methane	Repaired	35.41497421	-118.9098663
402957338	Needham-Bloemer38	Citadel Exploration Inc.	Leaking methane	Repaired	35.41376495	-118.9095306
402908761	Needham-Bloemer4	Citadel Exploration Inc.	Leaking methane	Repaired	35.41322708	-118.9089813
403062148	Needham-Bloemer Shakedown St#2	Citadel Exploration Inc.	Leaking methane	Repaired	35.41404343	-118.9091186
402908771	Needham-Bloemer26	Citadel Exploration Inc.	Thought to be Leaking methane (6/2/2022)	Multiple subsequent in-person inspections found no leak	35.41560364	-118.9119721
402908772	Needham-Bloemer27	Citadel Exploration Inc.	Leaking methane	Repaired	35.41561127	-118.9104233
402908773	Needham-Bloemer28	Citadel Exploration Inc.	Thought to be Leaking methane(6/2/2022)	Multiple subsequent in-person inspections found no leak	35.41562653	-118.9089966
402988951	Needham-Bloemer72	Citadel Exploration Inc.	Leaking methane	Repaired	35.41594315	-118.9096222
403063440	Needham-Bloemer Thunderstruck #4	Citadel Exploration Inc.	Thought to be Leaking methane(6/2/2022)	Multiple subsequent in-person inspections found no leak	35.41378494	-118.9055454
402908789	Bloemer10	Sunray Petroleum, Inc.	Leaking methane	Repaired	35.40114975	-118.9045486
402969434	Bloemer120	Sunray Petroleum, Inc.	Leaking methane	Repaired	35.40114594	-118.9039917
402908792	Hood-Bloemer1 A	Sunray Petroleum, Inc.	Leaking methane	Repaired	35.40294647	-118.9045715
402971724	Hood-Bloemer108D	Sunray Petroleum, Inc.	Leaking methane	Repaired	35.40281296	-118.9048996
402908794	Hood-Bloemer3 A	Sunray Petroleum, Inc.	Leaking methane	Repaired	35.40209579	-118.9037552
402969433	Hood-Bloemer109	Sunray Petroleum, Inc.	Leaking methane	Repaired	35.40238571	-118.9041824
402908871	Afana1	Zynergy, LLC	Leaking methane	Repaired	35.40583801	-118.9111633
402951205	Afana12	Zynergy, LLC	Leaking methane	Repaired	35.4074173	-118.9112854
402908872	Afana2	Zynergy, LLC	Leaking methane	Repaired	35.40714264	-118.9134827
402908873	Afana3	Zynergy, LLC	Leaking methane	Repaired	35.40582657	-118.9100189
402973711	Afana5V	Zynergy, LLC	Leaking methane	Repaired	35.40628433	-118.9093628
402908879	Afana9	Zynergy, LLC	Leaking methane	Repaired	35.4086647	-118.9136581
402908877	Afana7	Zynergy, LLC	Leaking methane	Repaired	35.408647	-118.9137581
402906740	K.C.L. B52	Griffin Resources	Leaking methane	Repaired	35.3664856	-119.063652
402908238	K.C.L. A53	Griffin Resources	Leaking methane	Repaired	35.3637619	-119.0643768
402908241	K.C.L. A84	Griffin Resources	Leaking methane	Repaired	35.3622818	-119.0577545
402908242	K.C.L. B61	Griffin Resources	Leaking methane	Repaired initially; evidence of low level leak; repair work to continue	35.36774063	-119.0621414
402908257	K.C.L. D87	Griffin Resources	Leaking methane	Repaired	35.35753632	-119.0571823
402900741	K.C.L. D77	Griffin Resources	Leaking methane	Repaired	35.35693741	-119.0599976
402908243	K.C.L. B62	Griffin Resources	Leaking methane	Repaired	35.3657608	-119.0621414
402908246	K.C.L. B73	Griffin Resources	Leaking methane	Repaired	35.36410904	-119.0599594
402908251	K.C.L. D67	Griffin Resources	Leaking methane	Repaired	35.35692215	-119.0621338
402908252	K.C.L. D75	Griffin Resources	Leaking methane	Repaired	35.36050415	-119.0599365
402908258	K.C.L. D88X	Griffin Resources	Leaking methane	Repaired	35.35635757	-119.0573959
402908245	K.C.L. B72	Griffin Resources	Leaking methane	Repaired	35.36588669	-119.0598526
402908239	K.C.L. A64	Griffin Resources	Leaking methane	Repaired	35.36230087	-119.062233
402908259	K.C.L. A78-4	Griffin Resources	Leaking methane	Repaired	35.36153412	-119.059021
402906770	10	E&B Natural Resources	High Pressure	Repaired	35.36511993	-119.0551834
402906772	12	E&B Natural Resources	High Pressure	Repaired	35.36001205	-119.0553207
402906773	14	E&B Natural Resources	High Pressure	Repaired	35.35935974	-119.0555573
402906762	2	E&B Natural Resources	High Pressure	Repaired	35.36949158	-119.0554733
402906763	3	E&B Natural Resources	High Pressure	Repaired	35.36408997	-119.0555344
402906765	5	E&B Natural Resources	High Pressure	Repaired	35.36592102	-119.055542
402906766	6	E&B Natural Resources	High Pressure	Repaired	35.36047745	-119.055542
402906769	9	E&B Natural Resources	High Pressure	Repaired	35.36504364	-119.055542

Topics in This Article:

Articles, Health & Safety, Infrastructure, Wells

Join the Conversation

1 reply

Larson says:
July 11, 2023 at 7:41 am

This detailed report on leaking idle wells, especially in Bakersfield, California, drives home the crucial need for improved oversight on our aging oil and gas infrastructure. The fact that numerous leaks were discovered remotely, and potentially many more unreported, demands greater transparency from regulatory bodies. We should be particularly concerned about VOC-emitting tanks at drilling sites, given their significant environmental and public health implications. Bakersfield, unfortunately, stands out in this situation, underscoring the urgent need for action.

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September 3, 2025

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FracTracker Alliance strongly opposes the Southeast Supply Enhancement Project and its Clean Water Act permit application.

California’s New Oil Wells Average 13.5 Barrels/Day — Far Below State Projections

August 26, 2025

Analysis of CalGEM data shows California’s new oil wells average only 13.5 barrels/day, far below the 30 barrels/day projected in state legislation.

Photo by David Becker

FracTracker Launches Oil, Gas, and Petrochemical Data Portals

August 22, 2025

0 Comments

FracTracker Alliance has launched two new public data portals that make information on oil, gas, and petrochemical development free and accessible to the public.

Colorado Operators Increase Chemical Disclosures After Public Pressure, but Major Gaps Remain

July 22, 2025

2 Comments

Since the release of a May 2025 report exposing widespread noncompliance with Colorado’s 2022 oil and gas chemical disclosure law, well-by-well oil and gas chemical disclosures have significantly increased, nearly doubling the total submitted since the law took effect under the state’s landmark transparency legislation.

Evaluation of Federal Requirements for Plugging Orphaned Oil and Gas Wells: A Missouri Case Study

July 21, 2025

Missouri is home to an estimated 5,000 orphaned or abandoned oil and gas wells. The problem is even more staggering nationwide, with over one million such wells scattered across the country. In an effort to address the crisis, the federal government has committed $1.6 billion to help states plug these wells and mitigate the environmental and health risks they pose.

https://www.kvpr.org/post/dormant-risky-new-state-law-aims-prevent-problems-idle-oil-and-gas-wells

Methane Matters, but Make Polluters Pay: FracTracker’s Response to Carl Pope

July 3, 2025

0 Comments

In a recent op-ed, Carl Pope called for public subsidies to fix methane leaks in oil and gas infrastructure. While we agree on the urgency of reducing methane, FracTracker Alliance rejects the idea that taxpayers should foot the bill.

Shell Polymers Monaca: 17.9 Billion Pounds of Emissions and Repeated Violations in Pennsylvania

July 3, 2025

0 Comments

Dashboard data shows how Shell’s emissions, regulatory violations, and proximity to sensitive community sites pose serious public health concerns in Beaver County, PA.

Plum Borough Rejects Fracking Waste Injection Well After Public Pushback

June 30, 2025

0 Comments

Plum Borough’s Zoning Hearing Board unanimously rejected Penneco Environmental Solutions’ proposal for a second fracking waste injection well.

Power Plant Locations and Unemployment Rates

May 31, 2025

0 Comments

A FracTracker analysis investigates the link between energy infrastructure and economic distress, revealing that U.S. power plants are disproportionately concentrated in counties with high unemployment.

Pipeline Incidents Are a Daily Occurrence

April 7, 2025

Pipeline incidents are more common, more dangerous, and more underreported than you might realize. This articles investigates a critical infrastructure system plagued by daily disasters and raises serious questions about data integrity and public safety. Read on to discover the full extent of the problem.

Environmental Justice Analysis of Oil Extraction in Los Angeles Communities

March 27, 2025

Oil drilling in Los Angeles disproportionately burdens marginalized communities. This analysis shows elevated poverty and non-white demographics in areas with high well density, exacerbating environmental injustice.

How Increased Protective Buffer Zones Could Help Protect 3.6 million Pennsylvanians

March 26, 2025

Learn how proposed buffers around fracking sites could protect 3.6 million residents in Pennsylvania.

Regulatory Gaps and Resistance: The Battle Over Fracking in Southern Illinois

January 31, 2025

Guest authors Sam Stearns and Tabitha Tripp dive into the complex history of resource extraction in Southern Illinois. Drawing on personal experience and the work of community organizers, they reveal the threats posed by fracking, the failures of regulatory agencies, and the urgent need for environmental justice.

Can California Energy Policy Move Past its Contradictions?

January 31, 2025

California's energy policy is riddled with contradictions. Explore how the state's climate goals clash with its continued reliance on fossil fuels, carbon capture, and fragmented regulations.

FracTracker Alliance, 2024

Data Gaps: A Critical Examination of Oil and Gas Well Incidents in Ohio

January 6, 2025

0 Comments

Over the past eight years, approximately 2,000 incidents associated with oil and gas wells occurred in Ohio. Many incidents were not accurately categorized, meaning much of the data understates the severity of records.

Great Plains Action Society

Indigenous Communities’ Fight Against CO2 Pipelines in the Great Plains

October 22, 2024

FracTracker Alliance and Great Plains Action Society have launched an environmental justice mapping tool to support Indigenous communities in their resistance against CO2 pipelines.

Pennsylvania Oil and Gas Industry Trends: Drilled Wells, Violations, Production, and Waste

August 1, 2024

This article looks at trends in the oil and gas industry in Pennsylvania, including the number of drilled wells, violations that have been issued, oil and gas production, and waste generation. We also point out examples of how data limitations make it challenging to answer frequently asked questions.

A Closer Look at Risks of the Appalachian Hydrogen Hub

June 5, 2024

The U.S. Department of Energy's ARCH2 hydrogen hub project presents substantial risks to the environment and human health and safety.

FracTracker Alliance, 2024

Falcon Pipeline Criminal Charges Explained

June 5, 2024

1 Comment

On April 19, 2024, Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry charged Shell Pipeline Company LP with 13 misdemeanor charges for failure to report or underreporting industrial waste releases during the construction of the Falcon Pipeline in Pennsylvania.

The Importance of Surveying Rural Landowners in North Dakota on Fracking

June 4, 2024

There is a need for more research on the human impact of the oil and gas industry in North Dakota, particularly on landowners and farmers, to understand their experiences and address their concerns effectively.

Exploring the Fallout of Precision Scheduled Rail: A Rail Worker’s Perspective on Precision Scheduled Rail

June 4, 2024

Precision scheduled rail has raised concerns about safety and infrastructure degradation, with railroads focusing on cutting costs at the expense of maintaining a robust network.

Fracking drilling rig in Washington County, Pennsylvania

Not-So-Radical Transparency: An Ineffective and Unnecessary Partnership Between Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro and the Gas Company CNX

May 2, 2024

CNX’s “radical transparency” data provides incomplete information and heavily downplays the dangers of fracking.

California Must Improve Management of Idle Wells

May 2, 2024

California’s current regulations under AB 2729 have been inadequate to reduce the state’s counts of idle wells. This issue needs to be addressed immediately, before the state of California is exposed to additional economic risk.

Holes in FracFocus

April 26, 2024

An Open-FF analysis reveals how comprehensive regulatory and reporting reforms are imperative to closing holes in FracFocus data and holding the oil and gas industry accountable for its impacts.

FracTracker Alliance, 2024

Mapping PFAS Chemicals Used in Fracking Operations in West Virginia

March 29, 2024

FracTracker mapped data for a report by Physicians for Social Responsibility that sheds light on the oil and gas industry’s use of hazardous “forever chemicals” in West Virginia.

Chevron’s $2.3 Billion Asset Adjustment Raises Questions Amidst Regulatory Changes in California

March 7, 2024

1 Comment

Information disclosed in Chevron’s 2023 Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) Form 10-K filed on February 26, 2024, suggests Chevron was hoping to eventually offload its idle wells to a limited liability company to avoid the cost of properly decommissioning its wells in California.

Ross incinerator in Eaton Township. Photo by Ted Auch, FracTracker Alliance, 2023

Stop Toxic Threat: A Heavy Industrial Zoning Battle

February 7, 2024

The Norfolk Southern train derailment in February 2023 ignited a battle for public health, safety, and welfare over 100 miles away in Eaton Township, Ohio.

Ross Environmental Hazardous Waste Incinerator in Eaton Township, Ohio. Ted Auch, FracTracker Alliance, 2023

East Palestine Warning: The Growing Threat From Hazardous Waste Storage

February 1, 2024

Is the gradual increase in hazardous waste storage and incineration expansion in Eaton Township, Ohio, fueling a preventable future disaster?

FracTracker Alliance, 2024

Index of Oil and Gas Operator Health in California Shows Risks to State Economy and Taxpayers

January 30, 2024

Though a handful of California of oil and gas operators continue to produce profitable volumes of oil, the majority of California operators, including the state’s oil and gas major corporations, Chevron, Aera Energy, and California Resources Corporation, are producing very low average volumes of oil per well.

Property in Belmont County, Ohio, vacated due to nearby drilling activity.

The cottage along Slope Creek, months after being vacated due to health concerns caused by nearby oil and gas operations. Photo courtesy of Chloe Mankin

Calling for Change: Life on the Fracking Frontlines

January 12, 2024

Frontline residents of the Ohio River Valley have first-hand experience of the impacts of fracking.

On the Wrong Track: Risks to Residents of the Upper Ohio River Valley From Railroad Incidents

December 14, 2023

1 Comment

Report finds risks to residents of the Upper Ohio River Valley as a result of an average of over four rail incidents per week in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

Matt Kelso, FracTracker Alliance, 2023

Digital Atlas: Exploring Nature and Industry in the Raccoon Creek Watershed

November 16, 2023

Digital atlas of Pennsylvania's Raccoon Creek unveils a comprehensive exploration of the watershed, emphasizing its ecological richness, recreational offerings, and the multifaceted impacts of industrial activities.

Why Do Houses Keep Exploding in One Pennsylvania Suburb?

November 9, 2023

An exploration of factors related to oil and gas activity that could contribute to the history of house explosions in Plum Borough, Pennsylvania.

FracTracker Alliance Releases Statement Opposing Governor Shapiro’s Agreement With CNX

November 7, 2023

FracTracker Alliance Executive Director Shannon Smith releases statement in opposition to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's agreement with natural gas company CNX.

Oil and Gas Activity Within California Public Health Protection Zones

October 4, 2023

Assessment shows hundreds of sensitive receptor sites located within 3,200 feet of operational oil and gas wells in California would have been protected if California Senate Bill 1137 had not been challenged by referendum.

Assessment of Oil and Gas Well Ownership Transfers in California

May 18, 2023

A report by FracTracker Alliance finds that more comprehensive bonding requirements are necessary to protect the state of California from being left financially accountable for the plugging and abandonment of tens of thousands of orphaned oil and gas wells.

Evaluation of the Capacity for Water Recycling for Colorado Oil and Gas Extraction Operations

May 2, 2023

A report by FracTracker Alliance finds Colorado’s oil and gas industry has produced enough wastewater statewide to completely satisfy the current and past needs of source water for hydraulic fracturing completions.

Sarah Carballo, FracTracker Alliance, 2022

Evidence Shows Oil and Gas Companies Use PFAS in New Mexico Wells

April 27, 2023

A new report released by Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) in April 2023 reveals that oil and gas companies have been using PFAS, a class of extremely toxic and persistent chemicals, in New Mexico since at least 2013.

CalGEM Permit Review Q1 2023: Well Rework Permits Increase by 76% in California

April 14, 2023

In Q1 2023, the California Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) gave out 896 rework permits to oil companies. More than half of these permits were for wells located within 3,200 feet of homes, schools, or healthcare facilities.

Tennessee Pipeline Incident by Ted Auch, 2022, with support from LightHawk.

Ted Auch, FracTracker Alliance, 2022

2022 Pipeline Incidents Update: Is Pipeline Safety Achievable?

February 1, 2023

1 Comment

This analysis provides a top-level summary of pipeline incidents reported to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and examines whether or not safe oversight of the industry is possible.

Oil refinery in Toledo, OH. Photo by Ted Auch.

Testimony On EPA’s Proposed Methane Pollution Standards for the Oil and Gas Industry

January 31, 2023

FracTracker Alliance supports strong federal methane rules and urges further improvements that are needed to curb dangerous methane emissions.

Assessment of Rework Permits on Oil Production from Operational Wells Within the 3,200-Foot Public Health Protection Zone

January 24, 2023

This analysis shows that the policy proposed in SB 1137 of denying rework permits within the health protection zones is a commonsense public health intervention that would have minimal effects on production within the protection zone.

CalGEM Permit Review Q4 2022: Oil Permit Approvals Show Steep Rise Within Protective Buffer Zones

January 18, 2023

During the fourth quarter of 2022, California regulator CalGEM issued oil and gas operators 222 new drilling permits, an increase of over 750% compared to the fourth quarter of 2021. Of those, nearly half (100; 47%) were for wells located within the 3,200’ public health setback zone.

Stacked pipes used in constructing oil and gas pipelines

A Contentious Landscape of Pipeline Build-outs in the Eastern US

November 30, 2022

1 Comment

In this article, we’ll feature four contentious pipeline build-outs in the Eastern United States, show ways in which those pipelines impact natural and human communities, and provide examples of how environmental advocates have challenged these projects, with varying degrees of success.

Major Gas Leak Reveals Risks of Aging Gas Storage Wells in Pennsylvania

November 30, 2022

Following an enormous gas leak in Jackson Township, Cambria County Pennsylvania, we mapped oil and gas storage wells and fields throughout the state and found that the majority of Pennsylvania’s storage wells were drilled prior to 1979, making them most vulnerable to well failures.

Coursing Through Gasland: A Digital Atlas Exploring Natural Gas Development in the Towanda Creek Watershed

November 23, 2022

This digital atlas exploring natural gas development in the Towanda Creek watershed is the fourth in a series of FracTracker Alliance watershed impact analyses in the Susquehanna River Basin.

Falcon Pipeline Online, Begins Operations Following Violations of Clean Streams Law

November 17, 2022

The Shell ethane cracker in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, and Falcon Pipeline begin operations following civil penalties from Pennsylvania regulators for violations of the Clean Streams Law.

Synopsis: Risks to the Greater Columbus Water Supply from Oil and Gas Production

October 31, 2022

1 Comment

A white paper by Columbus Community Rights Coalition (CCRC) will inform resident stakeholders of risks to the water associated with oil & gas production activities occurring within their watershed region of Columbus, Ohio.

Desalination: The Chemical Industry’s Demand for Water in Texas

September 19, 2022

Desalination facilities proposed by the petrochemical industry in Texas could significantly impact fragile Gulf Coast ecosystems.

Take Action in Support of No New Leases

September 6, 2022

The federal government is accepting comments on a 5-Year Offshore Oil and Gas Lease Program. We need your voice to join in solidarity with communities in the Gulf and the Arctic and call for no new leases.

Abandoned Infrastructure in Keene, North Dakota. Photo by David Nix.

Carbon Capture and Storage: Developments in the Law of Pore Space in North Dakota

August 31, 2022

The interplay between the rights of the owner of the surface estate and the rights of the mineral estate have recently become the subject of both legislation and litigation as the use of subsurface pore space by various energy industries has developed at an increasingly rapid pace in North Dakota.

Carbon Capture and Storage: Industry Connections and Community Impacts

August 31, 2022

Industries that stand to capitalize on the proliferation of carbon capture and storage are aggressively pursuing its development despite its wide-ranging risks and diminishing returns for communities across the U.S.

Carbon Capture and Storage: Fact or Fiction?

August 31, 2022

Extractive industry uses propaganda to protect private profits at the expense of the public interest. According to the evidence, there is reason to believe that carbon capture and storage (CCS) is one such scheme.

Pipeline Right-of-Ways: Making the Connection between Forest Fragmentation and the Spread of Lyme Disease in Southwestern Pennsylvania

August 22, 2022

1 Comment

While many ecological factors may contribute to the spread of Lyme disease, two of the most significant factors are believed to be climate change and forest fragmentation. This study assesses the role that different pipeline construction proxies play in the change in average annual Lyme disease rate in Pennsylvania counties from 2001 to 2019.

FracTracker Finds Widespread Hydrocarbon Emissions from Active & Idle Oil and Gas Wells and Infrastructure in California

August 22, 2022

1 Comment

FracTracker inspections of oil and gas infrastructure using an optical gas imaging camera found numerous sources of uncontrolled emissions in three California counties.

California Regulators Approve More Oil Well Permits Amid a Crisis of Leaking Oil Wells that Should be Plugged

July 29, 2022

FracTracker’s in-the-field inspections and updated analysis of CalGEM permit data shows that California’s regulatory practices and permitting policies risk exposing frontline communities to VOCs from oil and gas well sites.

Map of potential carbon capture technology

An Insider Take on the Appalachian Hydrogen & CCUS Conference

June 23, 2022

Reflections on the Appalachian Hydrogen and Carbon Capture conference, and how companies hope to use new tech to prolong fossil fuel dependence

Does Hydrogen Have a Role in our Energy Future?

June 21, 2022

There has been increasing focus on using hydrogen gas as a fuel, but most hydrogen is currently formed from methane, which could lead to more fracking.

Oil and Gas Brine in Ohio

May 13, 2022

2 Comments

A hazardous byproduct of oil & gas operations, called “brine," poses a problem because of its radioactivity and the volumes produced.

PA Environment Digest Blog: Conventional Oil & Gas Drillers Dispose Of Drill Cuttings By ‘Dusting’

May 3, 2022

2 Comments

David Hess reports on the pervasive & dangerous practice of waste disposal at oil and gas well drilling sites via “dusting.”

Real Talk on Pipelines

April 28, 2022

This story map contains audio clips and quotes from local officials and residents on the impacts of oil & gas pipelines in their communities.

TedAuch_Infrastructure-Compressor_Cryogenic_Complex-MarkWest_EnergyTransfer-WashingtonCounty-PA_Sept2021 feature

2021 Production from Pennsylvania’s Oil and Gas Wells

April 28, 2022

1 Comment

FracTracker has released an analysis of Pennsylvania's 2021 oil and gas production totals and the impacts of orphaned and abandoned wells.

Mapping Energy Systems Impacted by the Russia-Ukraine War

April 20, 2022

1 Comment

This story map explores how the West's failure to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy is funding Russia's invasion of Ukraine

Dimock residents working to protect water from a new threat: fracking waste

April 11, 2022

2 Comments

Sen. Muth and Dimock, PA residents are fighting a permitted Eureka Resource Susquehanna facility that puts their water at risk.

This photo is of oil drilling in the Inglewood Oilfields of Baldwin Hills, Los Angeles. Photo by Brook Lenker, 2017.

Implications of a 3,200-foot Setback in California

April 6, 2022

California is the only major oil state without a health and safety setback from fossil fuel activity. This article explores what a setback in California means for its people and environment.

New Trends in Drilling Permit Approvals Take Shape in CA

March 15, 2022

2 Comments

FracTracker's recent analysis finds that California's drilling permit approvals have slowed since last October, but not across the board. This trend only applies to permits for new drilling and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) wells.

Oil and Gas Drilling in California Legislative Districts

March 14, 2022

FracTracker has been working with grassroots organizations to inform legislators and locals about oil and gas extraction in their districts, including maps and tables of the infrastructure in their areas.

New Report: Fracking with “Forever Chemicals” in Colorado

January 31, 2022

1 Comment

A report by PSR provides evidence that oil and gas companies have been using dangerous PFAS "forever chemicals" in CO wells.

Oil and gas wells and violations in Pennsylvania through 1/12/2022.

Introducing: FracTracker’s comprehensive new Pennsylvania map!

January 20, 2022

4 Comments

FracTracker's new Pennsylvania oil and gas well map displays conventional and unconventional wells and violations as of January 12, 2022.

New Letter from Federal Regulators Regarding how the Falcon has Been Investigated

December 1, 2021

FracTracker received a letter from federal regulators with news on Shell's Falcon Pipeline investigation, but many concerns still remain.

US Army Corps Muskingum Watershed Plan ignores local concerns of oil and gas effects

December 1, 2021

2 Comments

Local stakeholders' concerns about the environmental and health impacts of oil and gas in the Muskingum Watershed of Ohio have been minimized or excluded by the US Army Corps' environmental assessment.

Oil and gas companies use a lot of water to extract oil in drought-stricken California

November 9, 2021

2 Comments

FracTracker details the disproportionate amounts of water used by the oil and gas industry in CA and recommends that Gov. Newsom take action.

Southeastern Texas Petrochemical Industry Needs 318 Billion Gallons of Water, but the US EPA Says Not So Fast

November 5, 2021

The US EPA is moving to turn off the tap to Texas’ petrochemical operators that are demanding exorbitant water quantities where there are none.

Chickahominy Pipeline project tries to exploit an apparent regulatory loophole

November 1, 2021

Local communities are skeptical of the Chickahominy Pipeline company, which plans to build a supply line through five Virginia counties. With no track record and very little experience in pipeline construction, the company's capacity to take on this project is questionable.

Map Update on Criminal Charges Facing Mariner East 2 Pipeline

October 29, 2021

2 Comments

FracTracker mapped the 21 locations and over 120 violations by Energy Transfer Partner since Mariner East 2 Pipeline construction began.

It’s Time to Stop Urban Oil Drilling in Los Angeles

September 14, 2021

Oil & gas wells in Los Angeles disproportionately impact marginalized communities, producing dangerous levels of invisible, toxic emissions.

Infrastructure Networks in Texas

September 14, 2021

This map illustrates infrastructure networks in Texas and explores how these unseen webs connect us and improve lives, but also carry risks and burdens.

Prison Strike Poster by Melanie Cervantes

California Prisons are Within 2,500’ of Oil and Gas Extraction

September 9, 2021

California prisoners are on the frontlines of the environmental justice movement, thousands living within 2,500’ of operational O&G wells.

FracTracker map of proposed Renovo, PA power plant

New power plant proposal called senseless and wasteful by climate groups

August 26, 2021

Residents and local advocacy groups are fighting a new power plant in Renovo, PA, planned to be constructed on an abandoned rail yard.

Ongoing Safety Concerns over Shell’s Falcon Pipeline

August 24, 2021

Ohio River Valley Groups react to a new safety warning issued by federal regulators to Shell regarding the troubled Falcon Pipeline

BLenker_infrastructure-oilrig-southLA-CA_Oct2017 feature

New Neighborhood Drilling Permits Issued While California Fails to Act on Public Health Rules

August 5, 2021

California drilling permits continue while Frontline communities and grassroots groups call for an immediate moratorium and 2,500' setback.

The world is watching as bitcoin battle brews in the US

August 2, 2021

15 Comments

If Gov. Cuomo wants to lead the nation on climate, he has to address the impacts of proof of work cryptocurrency mining industry in New York.

Lycoming Watershed Digital Atlas

California Oil & Gas Drilling Permits Drop in Response to Decreased Permit Applications to CalGEM

July 26, 2021

As California permit approvals for new oil & gas well drills decrease, Consumer Watchdog urges the Governor to move from fossil fuels.

California Denies Well Stimulation Permits

July 20, 2021

California regulators recently denied 21 well stimulation permit applications—a welcomed move in the right direction—but not enough.

Mapping PFAS “Forever Chemicals” in Oil & Gas Operations

July 15, 2021

2 Comments

FracTracker Alliance released a new map identifying the locations of over 1,200 oil and gas wells using toxic “forever chemicals” in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas, and Wyoming.

Updated National Energy and Petrochemical Map

June 30, 2021

1 Comment

We first released this map in February of 2020. In the year since, the world’s energy systems have experienced record changes. Explore the interactive map, updated by FracTracker Alliance in April, 2021.

Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania Fracking Story Map

June 11, 2021

FracTracker’s aerial survey of unconventional oil & gas infrastructure and activities in northeast PA to southern OH and central WV

Ohio & Fracking Waste: The Case for Better Waste Management

June 3, 2021

Insights on Ohio’s massive fracking waste gap, Class II injection well activity, and fracking waste related legislation

Pennsylvania Conventional Well Map Update

May 27, 2021

There are over 100,000 active conventional wells in PA, with more permitted each year. Most are unplugged, posing serious threats to the climate.

EPA

Impacts of 2020 Colonial Pipeline Rupture Continue to Grow

May 26, 2021

In August 2020, the Colonial Pipeline ruptured, spilling an estimated 1.2 million gallons of gasoline—18 times more than originally reported.

Jared Durelle

Gas Storage Plan vs. Indigenous Rights in Nova Scotia

May 20, 2021

6 Comments

The Mi’kmaq First Nations people are facing threats to their lands and water due to plans in Nova Scotia proposed by AltaGas.

Mapping Gathering Lines in Bradford County, Pennsylvania

May 19, 2021

2 Comments

FracTracker mapped gathering lines in Bradford County, PA. Public data on gathering lines are incomplete, leaving us to fill in the gaps.

Trends in fracking waste coming to New York State from Pennsylvania

April 20, 2021

2 Comments

Over the past decade, New York State has seen a steep decline in the quantity of waste products from the fracking industry sent to its landfills for disposal. Explore FracTracker's 2020 updated data.

2021 Pipeline Incidents Update: Safety Record Not Improving

April 14, 2021

The map below shows 6,950 total incidents since 2010, translating to 1.7 incidents per day. Pipelines are dangerous, in part because regulation around them is ineffective.

New York State Oil & Gas Well Drilling: Patterns Over Time

April 1, 2021

5 Comments

In this article, we look specifically at spatial and temporal patterns in oil and gas drilling across New York State.

Risky Byhalia Connection Pipeline Threatens Tennessee & Mississippi Health, Water Supply

March 17, 2021

2 Comments

The proposed Byhalia Connection pipeline project is situated in a particularly problematic intersection where environmental justice, hydrology, geology, and risks to human and environmental health intersect.

Shell’s Falcon Pipeline Under Investigation for Serious Public Safety Threats

March 17, 2021

Shell’s Falcon Pipeline, which is designed to carry ethane to the Shell ethane cracker in Beaver County, PA for plastic production, has been under investigation by federal and state agencies, since 2019.

Kern County’s Drafted EIR Will Increase the Burden for Frontline Communities

March 4, 2021

Built on sound data and ample research, FracTracker recommends several measures be taken to protect the health of California's overburdened Frontline Communities.

FracTracker Alliance, 2021

Pennsylvania’s Waste Disposal Wells – A Tale of Two Datasets

February 26, 2021

VIEW MAP & DATA Overview Access to reliable data…

California Oil & Gas Setbacks Recommendations Memo

February 23, 2021

The purpose of this memo is to recommend guidelines to CalGEM for evaluating the economic value of the social benefits and costs to people and the environment in requiring a 2,500 foot setback for oil and gas drilling (OGD) activities.

Oil and Gas Wells on California State Lands

February 12, 2021

The fossil fuel industry has historically taken advantage of…

Industrial Impacts in Michigan: A Photo Essay & Story Map

January 29, 2021

Southwest Detroit and neighboring South Rockwood in Monroe County…

People and Production: Reducing Risk in California Extraction

December 17, 2020

2 Comments

Executive Summary New research shows that low-income communities…

Documenting emissions from new oil and gas wells in California

November 18, 2020

Working with the environmental nonprofit Earthworks,…

Energy Security, International Investment, and Democracy in the US Shale Oil & Gas Industry

October 15, 2020

FracTracker in the Field: Building a Live Virtual Map

August 14, 2020

August 19, 2020 Update: The virtual story map is live! In…

The Loyalsock Watershed Project

…

Mapping gathering lines in OH and WV feature

Mapping Gathering Lines in Ohio and West Virginia

July 2, 2020

As a spring 2020 intern with FracTracker, my work mostly involved…

Oil & Gas waste tank operated by SWEPI and Enervest at the Hayes pad, Otsego County, Michigan May 21st, 2016

The North Dakota Shale Viewer Reimagined: Mapping the Water and Waste Impact

June 18, 2020

2 Comments

We updated the FracTracker North Dakota Shale Viewer with current…

Falcon Pipeline Construction Releases over 250,000 Gallons of Drilling Fluid in Pennsylvania and Ohio

June 16, 2020

Part of the Falcon Public Environmental Impact Assessment - a…

Systematic Racism in Kern County Oil and Gas Permitting Ordinance

June 8, 2020

Kern County, California has approved at least 18,356 illegal…

Fracking Water Use in Pennsylvania Increases Dramatically

May 29, 2020

1 Comment

Unconventional wells in Pennsylvania were always resource-intensive,…

North Brooklyn Pipeline demographics map

New Yorkers mount resistance against North Brooklyn Pipeline

May 18, 2020

3 Comments

By Kim Fraczek (Sane Energy Project), with input and mapping…

Map of New 2020 Fracking Permits in California

California, Back in Frack

May 7, 2020

California is once again a fracked state. The moratorium on well…

California Setback Analyses Summary

April 2, 2020

2 Comments

FracTracker Alliance has conducted numerous spatial analyses…

Compressor station within Loyalsock State Forest, PA.

Air Pollution from Pennsylvania Shale Gas Compressor Stations – REPORT

March 19, 2020

Air pollution from Pennsylvania shale gas compressor stations…

New York State Oil & Gas Wells – 2020 Update

March 11, 2020

4 Comments

We’ve recently updated the New York State Oil and Gas Well…

National Energy and Petrochemical Map

February 28, 2020

1 Comment

This map from FracTracker Alliance is filled with energy and petrochemical data. Explore the map, continue reading to learn more, and see how your state measures up!

California Governor Gavin Newsom looks at surface expression oil spills

Governor Newsom Must Do More to Address the Cause of Oil Spill Surface Expressions

February 24, 2020

1 Comment

Chevron and other oil and gas companies in western Kern County…

Governor Newsom Well Watch website for California drilling

Oil & Gas Well Permits Issued By Newsom Administration Rival Those Issued Under Gov. Jerry Brown

February 22, 2020

FracTracker Alliance and Consumer Watchdog worked together to…

destroyed home following pipeline explosion in San Bruno, CA

Pipelines Continue to Catch Fire and Explode

February 21, 2020

2 Comments

For the past decade, petroleum operators in the United States…

The Hidden Inefficiencies and Environmental Costs of Fracking in Ohio

January 13, 2020

3 Comments

Ohio continues to increase fracked gas production, facilitated…

Fracking in Pennsylvania: Not Worth It

January 7, 2020

4 Comments

Despite the ever-increasing heaps of violations and drilling…

Photo by Ted Auch, FracTracker Alliance

Fracking Threatens Ohio’s Captina Creek Watershed

December 20, 2019

FracTracker's Great Lakes Program Coordinator Ted Auch explores…

California is Frack Free, for the Moment

November 19, 2019

…

How State Regulations Hold Us back and What Other Countries are doing about Fracking

October 10, 2019

3 Comments

While it might be tempting to welcome an industry that often creates a temporary economic spike, the costs of mitigating the environmental damage from fracking far out-weighs the profit gained.