Overview
Ascent Resources - Utica, LLC - Heller is an operational oil extraction facility in Smith Township, Belmont County, Ohio. It supports the Utica Shale play, a key region for domestic oil and gas production.
Ascent Resources - Utica, LLC - Heller is an oil extraction facility located in Smith Township, Belmont County, Ohio, within the United States. The facility is part of the Utica Shale play, a significant hydrocarbon-producing region in the Appalachian Basin. As an operational oil extraction site, it contributes to the broader oil infrastructure network in Ohio, which has seen substantial growth due to unconventional drilling techniques. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Oil extraction in the Utica Shale typically involves hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling, technologies that have enabled access to previously uneconomical reserves. The facility's NAICS codes (211111 and 211120) indicate crude petroleum and natural gas extraction, aligning with standard industry practices in the region. Environmentally, oil extraction facilities in the Utica Shale are subject to regulations addressing air emissions, water management, and waste disposal. The facility's location in rural Belmont County minimizes direct population exposure but requires careful management of produced water and potential spills. As part of the Utica Shale development, this facility plays a role in regional energy supply and economic activity.
Environmental context
Oil extraction in the Utica Shale involves hydraulic fracturing, which requires large volumes of water and generates produced water that must be managed to prevent contamination. The facility's location in a rural area reduces immediate population risks, but groundwater and surface water protection are critical. Regulatory oversight by the EPA and state agencies addresses air emissions from equipment and flaring, as well as waste disposal practices.
Frequently asked questions
The facility is located on Tiber Rd to Mellott Rd in Smith Township, Belmont County, Ohio, United States.
It is an oil extraction facility that produces crude petroleum and natural gas from the Utica Shale formation using advanced drilling and completion techniques.
The Utica Shale is a geological formation spanning several U.S. states, including Ohio, known for its oil and natural gas reserves. It is developed using horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing.
Oil extraction facilities in Ohio must comply with U.S. EPA regulations under the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act, as well as state rules from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources regarding well construction, waste management, and water use.
Key concerns include groundwater contamination from fracturing fluids or produced water, air emissions from equipment and flaring, and surface spills. Facilities must implement management plans to mitigate these risks.
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