Oil and Gas Exploration
Major oil and gas companies are now drilling deep wells in the northeast in effort to locate and harvest natural gas and oil. Oil and gas companies are drilling vertically and horizontally deep beneath the ground surface and through aquifers to tap into gas reserves trapped in rock formations thousands of feet beneath the earth's surface. The drilling process involves the use of muds that can contain toxic heavy metals and hazardous chemical additives used to cool the drill bit and lift the rock cuttings out of the well bore. As the drilling cuts through rock formations the toxic muds and chemicals contaminate groundwater supplies.
To harvest the natural gas, oil and gas companies use a process called “fracking.” This involves injecting hazardous toxic chemicals at high pressures through the well bore to fracture the rock formations. This releases natural gas trapped miles beneath the earth. Fracturing the rock formations causes mini-seismic events below ground, which creates pathways for the toxic muds and “fracking” chemicals to enter into groundwater aquifers and contaminate drinking water supplies. It also allows methane, benzene (a known carcinogen), brine and radioactive materials to migrate into the groundwater.
Thousands of homeowner’s properties and water supplies in Pennsylvania and other states have become contaminated as a direct result of oil and gas exploration activities.
If you believe your drinking water and property have been impacted by oil and gas exploration activities and have a claim for damages you should contact an attorney who is experienced in environmental litigation. Napoli Bern Ripka LLP attorneys are experienced in environmental law and litigation.
Our experienced environmental attorneys will discuss the details of your case and help you make an informed decision about whether you want to file a claim. If you proceed with litigation, we will be with you at every step of the process to guide you in making important decisions about your case. At Napoli Bern Ripka LLP, we'll work with you from the time you contact us until your claim has been completely resolved so that you don't have to worry about your case on your own.
