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August 25, 2005Attorney opposes twin-well proposalLawyer will question gas reps at hearingByRecord-Eagle staff writer GAYLORD - A local environmental attorney will challenge the oil and gas industry's position that its "twin well" drilling proposal will minimize the impact at potential drilling sites. Lawyer Susan Topp will question oil and gas industry representatives at a state public hearing set for Aug. 30 at the Best Western Alpine Lodge in Gaylord. She said the proposal will not minimize environmental damage, conflicting with the position of the Michigan Oil and Gas Association. The association, which represents Michigan oil and gas companies, wants approval from the state Department of Environmental Quality to install a second natural gas well within the required 80-acres in both Otsego and Montmorency counties. Topp said twin wells will double the risk of pollution from brine releases, surface leaks and hydrogen sulfide gas in the air. "I don't see the savings in surface damage," said Topp, who is also representing the Otsego Conservation District. Oil and gas companies want "twin wells" between 25 and 200 feet from existing natural gas wells. The second well would collect minerals from the top layers of the formation, while old wells would continue to collect from the bottom layers. The industry says twin wells will create a shorter production period, reduce environmental exposure and surface use. "The intention of the producers is to drill the wells on existing sites in projects where capacity is available to produce this gas, in most cases without new roads or pipelines," said Ray Barnhart of Dominion Exploration and Production, a MOGA board member. He and other industry employees will testify at Tuesday's hearing, including representatives of DTE Gas and Oil, and Quicksilver Resources. See Related Stories: Environmental regulators slate 'twin wells' hearing for August - August 3, 2005 Twin natural gas wells proposed in two counties - July 19, 2005 Oil & gas agency seeks to lift restrictions on 'twin wells' - June 28, 2005
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