[vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Before we address flaring, let’s describe the process which leads us to flaring in the first place.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]After a well is drilled and the rig moves off-site, the well is ready to be completed. Cabot will move in hydraulic fracturing equipment to stimulate the well using water. Once the hydraulic fracturing process is completed, the next step is the flow-back period, which returns both water and natural gas to the surface. During the initial phase of flow-back, 100% of the return from the well will be water. Over time, the water rate diminishes and the gas rate increases. This is commonly referred to as “clean up.” While natural gas can be vented directly into the atmosphere, it is more environmentally sensitive to flare the gas – to burn it off and reduce emissions.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Flaring is safer for the environment because the combustion of natural gas creates CO₂ and H₂O. Both CO₂ and CH₄ are greenhouse gases in that they introduce carbon atoms into the atmosphere. While CO₂ is similar to CH₄, it is a less harmful greenhouse gas (which results in a smaller environmental footprint). Additionally, certain weather conditions can cause vented natural gas to concentrate into a single area, creating an unsafe situation. Flaring prevents the pooling of natural gas on the surface.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]It has often been asked: “Has Cabot considered utilizing an alternative, “greener” completions method?”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The answer is yes. If a pipeline is available to take the gas, the natural gas is not flared off; instead it is separated from the water and put into a pipeline. This method is called “cleaning up into sales.” Locally, Cabot has cleaned up wells into sales a number of times, as far back as September 2010, and prefers this method.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]It is important to note that Cabot is no stranger to “going green.” In addition to converting both its vehicle fleets and rigs to run on CNG (compressed natural gas), Cabot recycles 100% of its flow-back water. These are industry-leading standards when it comes to environmental awareness. In 2015, the EPA will no longer allow flaring in areas where gas sales pipelines are available. The EPA’s mandate might challenge the industry, but Cabot is prepared and set to exceed the standard.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]