Expert: Alan H. Coogan Date: 1/26/2008 Subject: gas well
Question i own about ten acres in Washington county,pa a company drilled a well about 75ft away from my property (as close as they could get to my one of my buildings 201 ft without permission). i have a copy of the well permit it said they were drilling 5000ft w/no angle (straight down) the elevation is 945ft on the permit they checked off that it is not subject to the oil and gas conservation law. but the oil and gas laws for pa that i have found say that if its more than 3800ft and breaks through the onodaga horizon it is covered under the law. is possible that the onodaga horizon is deeper than 5000ft here? what is the depth of the onodaga horizon? or should i be on my way to see a lawyer? i tried to ask the drilling company about it but they wouldn't even call me back. i am 100% positive i still own my mineral right on my property. a second company is drilling a the opposite end of my property(on the neighbors land) right now there drilling 5500ft .i feel like I'm being ripped off .any help you could give on the subject i would be grateful thanks
Answer Dear Jason:
I suggest a two-fold approach. 1. contact the PA Commonwealth gas well regulators in Pittsburgh or Harrisburg about setback regulations, depth to top of the Onandaga Limestone etc. It could be at "any depth" it is on the surface in Buffalo. My guess is that they have a legal location. The "rig owner" may not know anything, he might be just a subcontractor. So do your homework--then 2. call a lawyer. It is cheaper that way.
good luck, AHC
