Idaho fracturing process proposed on a smaller scale than North Eastern states

In two fields near Payette and New Plymouth, a total of seven gas-producing wells can access reservoirs of natural gas in deposits of sandstone between layers of impermeable shale. The reservoirs are between 2,000 and 7,000 feet below the surface and accessible, industry experts say, through a reduced scale fracturing process.

The interim legislative Energy, Environment and Technology Committee heard presentations regarding the fracturing process last week.

Fracturing injects fluid and sand into a formation under pressure to restore or create pathways for gas to flow into a well bore. Energy company Bridge Energy is proposing to utilize the process at a level they say is much smaller than the process that has received attention in the cases of large scale fracturing in the eastern United States.

The process proposed for Southwestern Idaho wells requires about 700 barrels of fluid injected at a rate of 1,000 to 2,400 pounds per square inch over a fracture radius of 150’. Larger scale efforts to create pathways for gas and oil to flow through shale have a radius of 5,000’ and inject 25,000 barrels of fluid at 10,000 psi.

This spring negotiated rulemaking efforts have focused on protecting groundwater aquifers from the injection fluids, which officials note include non toxic ingredients such as guar gum (from legumes), potassium hydroxide, soap, detergent enzymes, boron and acidic acid (vinegar) in water.

Other rule changes include revisions proponents say are necessary because the rules are 30 years out of date for things like minimum bond rates and requirements with regard to environmental protection.

Statutory changes proposed during the next legislative session include increasing application fees, limiting confidentiality of drill logs to one year, changes to severance tax collection process, updating definitions, and addressing class II injection wells. Representative Wendy Jaquet asked about including value statements in proposed statutes about maximizing the resource while protecting the public interest.

Eric Wilson with the Idaho Department of Lands noted that there is a definition of "fresh waters" in the rules regarding conservation of oil and gas. Specifics in this area will be left up to legislators to determine, he said.

Not all law makers in attendance were convinced this answer was adequate.“Everything in the (proposed) statute is about the best use and conservation of the resource,” said Senator Elliot Werk. “The bottom line is that health and safety is secondary to the conservation of the resource … that may not be the best priority setting.”

Although Werk conceded that the fracturing process described is minor, “what’s to say the rule won’t apply to a developer of a major fracturing operation in hard rock?” he asked.

Williams noted that geologists don't know of any shale gas or oil, and therefore there is no reason for a large scale fracturing operation, in Idaho.

“This is a tough area for oil or gas because of the vulcanization of the rock that tends to drive out oil and gas,” he said.