Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Worth, TX

11/30/2007

What is the Barnett Shale?
The Barnett Shale is a large natural gas reserve that stretches underground across a 15 county area.  It contains an estimated 26 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and is located approximately 1.5 miles below the surface.  In recent years, advances in drilling technology have made it possible for energy companies to extract large amounts of natural gas from the Barnett Shale.  Its 6,000 plus square-mile reservoir is already the second largest producing on-shore domestic natural gas field in the United States after the San Juan Basin in New Mexico and Colorado.

Why is TCU pursuing natural gas drilling on its campus?
TCU has a financial responsibility to the future of the institution to do so.

How will TCU use the money it earns from drilling?
The University will invest the money in its endowment as directed by TCU’s Board of Trustees

How will students, faculty and staff benefit from that investment?
Bonus and royalty payments from drilling will enable TCU to support students and the University by enhancing educational opportunities now and in the future.

What sort of educational benefits will the University’s students gain from natural gas drilling on campus?
The University hopes to provide research opportunities for engineering, geology and environmental studies students. Additionally, drilling on campus also will provide other students opportunity to study the economic and political impact of the Barnett Shale.

Where is the drilling site located?
The drilling rig will be located on the north side of campus near remote parking. The 3-acre site will be surrounded with fencing.

When will the site be operational?
The site is expected to be operational Jan. - Aug. of 2008, 2009 and 2010.

What is involved in the natural gas drilling process?
Go to askchesapeake.com for information on the gas drilling process.

Does drilling harm the environment?
With the advent of directional and horizontal drilling technology, natural gas wells have a much smaller impact on land and new drilling techniques are more energy efficient and quieter.

How does natural gas drilling impact water usage?
The Fort Worth City Water Department monitors all usage of water in the city.  The last report presented by the water department at a recent public gas well information meeting indicated that drilling activity in the city accounts for only one percent of city water usage.

What emergency plans are in place in case of an accident?
TCU has plans in place for facility evacuation in case of an emergency.  The University also works with local emergency response teams to handle campus emergencies. Additionally, TCU uses multiple communication tools to reach campus members in case of an emergency. Those tools include TCU ALERT (the University’s new text messaging system), the TCU Web site, a recorded information line and campuswide e-mail.

Where can I find information about campus emergencies?
In case of an emergency, information will be disseminated via campuswide
e-mail, posted to the home page, recorded on the information line (817-257-4636 or toll free 1-866-321-7428) and sent via TCU ALERT.

Who do I call if I have concerns?
Questions regarding drilling and operation of gas wells may be directed to the City of Fort Worth Gas Well Inspection Section at 817-392-2851 or 817-392-2339.  For concerns or questions regarding the TCU well, contact Chesapeake at 817-870-1250.