Ascent Resources - Utica LLC - Porterfield Well Pad: Oil Extraction in Washington Township, Ohio

Ascent Resources - Utica LLC - Porterfield Well Pad is an operational oil extraction facility located at 69694 Vineyard Rd in Washington Township, Belmont County, Ohio. The facility is part of the Utica Shale development, which has driven substantial oil and natural gas production in the Appalachian Basin. The site is situated in a region with a long history of oil and gas activity, contributing to the local economy and energy supply. 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 water management. The Utica Shale is known for its light sweet crude oil and natural gas liquids, and extraction typically involves horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing. The facility's NAICS codes (211111 and 211120) indicate crude petroleum and natural gas extraction operations. Environmental considerations for this facility include potential impacts on local water resources, air quality from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and methane emissions, and land use changes. The site is in a rural area with mixed agricultural and residential land use. As part of the oil extraction sector, the facility's operations are subject to spill prevention and response plans, as well as monitoring for groundwater contamination. The facility's role in the regional energy infrastructure supports domestic oil production and reduces reliance on imports.

The Porterfield Well Pad is located in the Appalachian Basin, a region with extensive oil and gas development. The Utica Shale formation presents environmental challenges including potential groundwater contamination from hydraulic fracturing fluids and produced water, air emissions from drilling and flaring, and habitat fragmentation. Local water bodies may be at risk from spills or runoff. Regulatory oversight by the EPA and state agencies aims to mitigate these impacts through permits and monitoring.