Protecting and maintaining the environment where we operate is an important part of our drilling process. We start each job with caution and care for the environment, an attitude that continues throughout each well’s producing life.

Our objective is to leave each site in as good, if not better, condition than when we started drilling. We also partner with government agencies at all levels, and adhere to all local, state and federal regulations. Plus, we participate in environmental initiatives to reduce greenhouse gases and use technology that allows more precise information in locating natural gas, so we increase our efficiency and reduce our environmental footprint.

Wellsite Selection and Drilling Practices

Location

We utilize an innovative Geographic Information System (GIS) to determine the location of streams, ponds, lakes and endangered species and wildlife preservation areas prior to selecting wellsites.  Our engineers then determine whether or not to use horizontal or directional drilling technologies that enable deviation of the wellbore from a surface location rather than a simple vertical well, thereby minimizing the environmental impact of our operations.

Owners

We work closely with surface owners to ensure the safety and security of the wellsite during drilling operations.  After our wells are completed, we work to restore the location and strive to always leave the wellsite in as good, if not better, condition than before the drilling operation began.

Drilling Techniques

Continually improving horizontal drilling and multiple well pad drilling technologies enable us to drill more productive wells while reducing our environmental presence.  Neighborhood-friendly operations in highly populated areas require the use of effective noise control methods as we drill, complete and produce wells.  Chesapeake is a noise abatement pioneer, conducting our own noise sampling and implementing the strongest measures possible to reduce noise, which may involve retrofitting existing rigs at the same time we design quieter new-generation rigs.

Good Neighbor Initiative

Additionally, our Good Neighbor Initiative promotes helpful dialogue between landowners, lessees, permit holders and residents of producing areas.  This successful program, first developed in our New Mexico operations, is now being introduced into the Barnett Shale and other areas as well.  It pledges the responsible development of energy resources, along with environmental stewardship and respect for property rights.

Public Land

While the majority of the company’s activities are conducted on privately owned land, we occasionally explore for and produce natural gas on public lands.  In each of these public areas, we implement a multitude of best practices, such as closed-loop drilling mud systems to reduce the impact of our operations.

Each potential wellsite goes through a rigorous assessment process that includes evaluations of wildlife habitats, possible impact on wetlands and trees, and archeological studies.

Environmental Initiatives

We’re also committed to supporting numerous state and national organizations whose efforts produce a positive impact with the country’s environment, health, community development and energy future including:

American Clean Skies Foundation

In 2007, Chesapeake helped established the American Clean Skies Foundation, an educational think tank focused on promoting the greater use of natural gas as the nation’s best solution to the dual challenge of generating more energy with less pollution.

The Nature Conservancy and OERB

We are a key contributor to The Nature Conservancy and the Oklahoma Energy Resources Board, which has remediated at no cost to taxpayers more than 8,000 abandoned wellsites across Oklahoma, most of which were drilled during times of lower environmental awareness.

Low Impact Natural Gas and Oil Project

We’re a founding member of the Low Impact Natural Gas and Oil Project in Arkansas, a collaborative effort to develop a web-based decision support tool that will enable energy companies and regulatory agencies to share education and integration systems while promoting better communications.