CNX applies for new Utica gas wells in Washington Township

CNX Resources is applying for permits to develop and operate a Utica shale gas well pad along Evans Road in Washington Township near property owned by the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County.

CNX, which has other gas wells on authority property, plans to develop up to seven Utica wells at the site, said Brian Aiello, spokesman for the Cecil-based CNX.

“We are currently seeking all appropriate permits and approvals and expect to begin site construction in early 2021 with development expected to commence in summer of 2021,” Aiello said.

Gas found in Utica shale is deeper than the Marcellus shale and has the potential to produce as much natural gas as three wells drilled into the Marcellus layer, according to industry experts.

Last year, CNX had to kill a problematic well on Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County property because of a pressure drop that affected other shallow wells near Beaver Run Reservoir.

There were no reports of water contamination or other issues, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection, CNX and township officials.

Last month, DEP imposed a $175,000 civil penalty on CNX in connection with the incident. The agency’s final investigation found CNX used casing for the well that was not strong enough, and it didn’t apply other safety measures to maintain well integrity.

There are 54 CNX unconventional gas wells on MAWC property, said Matt Junker, MAWC spokesman.

Most of the Marcellus and Utica wells in the township are on municipal authority property, said Joe Olszewski, township supervisor,

MAWC should receive about $1.2 million in gas royalties this year, Junker said.

The new site CNX is applying for is near another CNX well known as the Mamont South 1 Pad, near Evans Road, off Route 286, in Washington Township.

Aiello declined to release details on how and if the series of wells are related.

Since CNX does not yet have DEP approval, Washington Township has not been informed of the details of the proposed well, said Olszewski.

“Personally, we haven’t got feedback from residents on this,” he said, noting only a few residents live near the well site.

This year, Washington Township received a little more than $200,000 in impact fees for natural gas drilling in the township, Olszewski said. The money will be used for road work, road work equipment and operations at Kunkle Park.