“Well-control efforts have been successful in significantly reducing flow from the leak. Overnight, Chesapeake removed all well-completion equipment from the location and brought in specialized equipment in preparation for additional work to completely seal the leak. This work is expected to commence this afternoon.
The well has emitted limited amounts of gas beginning early this morning. Both the Bradford County EMA and Chesapeake have performed gas-plume modeling in expectation of this potential progression and have come to the same conclusion that any natural-gas releases will not pose a risk to the area’s public safety.
Crews are finishing repairs to the berm surrounding the location. All fluids are being safely contained in our extensive secondary-containment systems located within this berm, which serve as further protective measures before the location berm. All containment systems are now fully prepared to prevent fluids from leaving the location. Initial testing of area waterways has shown minimal impact, if any.
The exact causation of the breach is unknown. The location of the breach is in a wellhead connection, and our investigative efforts will initially focus there; there is no evidence of a downhole casing failure of any type. Chesapeake has voluntarily suspended all completion operations in Pennsylvania as we evaluate this incident.
There have been no injuries, and there continues to be no danger to the public.”
