Ascent Resources - Utica, LLC - Albright Oil Extraction Facility in Shadyside, Ohio

Ascent Resources - Utica, LLC - Albright is an oil extraction facility located at 53303 Cash Ridge Rd, Shadyside, Belmont County, Ohio. The facility is operational and contributes to the Utica Shale development, which is a significant source of oil and natural gas in the Appalachian Basin. Ascent Resources is a key operator in the region, focusing on horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing to extract hydrocarbons from tight shale formations. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Key regulations include the Clean Air Act (CAA) for emissions control and the Clean Water Act (CWA) for produced water management. The Utica Shale extraction typically involves multi-well pads, high-volume hydraulic fracturing, and extensive midstream infrastructure for oil, gas, and natural gas liquids. The facility's location in Belmont County places it within a region with a history of coal mining and now a growing oil and gas industry. The extraction activities support local employment and energy supply but also require careful environmental management to address water usage, wastewater disposal, and air emissions. The facility's role in the Utica Shale play underscores its importance to Ohio's energy portfolio.

The facility is situated in the Appalachian region, characterized by rolling hills and mixed forests. Oil extraction in the Utica Shale involves hydraulic fracturing, which raises concerns about water consumption and potential groundwater contamination. The proximity to the Ohio River (approximately 10 miles south) introduces spill risks during transportation and storage of crude oil and produced water. Air emissions from drilling and flaring are also a consideration, regulated under the EPA's New Source Performance Standards.