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The drilling process begins with padsite construction, which typically lasts approximately four to sixtwo weeks depending on the location. Next, the set up of the rig and the drilling of the well takes approximately – to –four to fivethree to fourfour to fivefour to five– to –three to sixtwo to three weeks per well. During this time, operations run continuously 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Multiple wells are sometimes drilled from a single padsite. Although the rig is the most visible part of drilling operations, it is temporary and will be removed once drilling is completed. Once the layer of rock that holds the oil or natural gas (pay zone) is reached, the well will be completed and prepared for production. Even with multiple-well padsites, the entire process frequently takes less time than the building of a house or store in the same area.
Drilling activities use water and drilling mud to circulate cuttings (rock chips created as the drillbit grinds through the rock) to the surface to clear the borehole. The drilling fluids lubricate and cool the drillbit, stabilize the wellbore to prevent it from caving in and control fluid pressure in the well. Drilling mud can be either water-based or oil-based. Additives are also used in drilling fluids to help control the drilling process. Water-based drilling fluids may contain the following additives:
- Gels that help the drilling fluid carry cuttings
- Soda ash or lime for pH control
- Polymers that prevent water from reacting with or seeping into the formation
- A weighting agent, such as barite
Additives for oil-based drilling fluids may include:
- Emulsifiers that keep the oil-based liquid and water in the drilling fluids from separating
- Viscosifiers that help drilling fluids carry cuttings
- A weighting agent, such as barite
A number of overlapping safety measures are also in place to prevent leaks. At each site, a system of small diversion channels empty into a collection area, which is monitored and pumped out as the level rises. Polyethylene liners are used beneath the drilling rig and secondary containment surrounds all chemical trailers and storage containers. Secondary containment surrounds all chemical trailers and storage containers, as well as the entire location. This site design also works to ensure that all liquid run-offs are contained, minimizing the risk of any potential leaks or spills leaving the site.
As with any construction site, there will be additional truck traffic for the setting up and taking down of the equipment.during the initial construction, drilling and completion phases of a well. There can be noise, dust and traffic. Like any typical construction project, however, Chesapeake makes it a priority to minimize these disturbances. Thethe majority of residents will experience few, if any, changes to daily life.
After the wells are completed, the company regularly returns to monitor and maintain the site. At some wellsites, trucks may return to transport oil or remove naturally occurring water (produced water), which is separated from oil or natural gas during the production process and stored in tanks located on the site. A typical padsite is three to five acres in size.
Drilling practices are designed to have the smallest possible impact on the environment. Operators must work with communities in determining truck routes and implementing security measures.​​​