Thermogenic methane migrated to well water

Tioga County family struggles with methane in its well water
July 2, 2011
By CHERYL R. CLARKE

“Our pond was so clean the man who interpreted it said you could drink out of it, and our artesian well was huge, clear and clean. Now, the well tests positive for thermogenic methane, like that which is bubbling in the cellars on the wellpad,” she said.

Shell tested the water before and after drilling.

…the family received a letter dated May 4 from DEP that concluded that the well has been “affected by gas drilling.”

Though Shell is not disputing the tests, and it has not denied responsibility for the methane migration, “we still don’t know what they are going to do for my parents,” Gee said.