Granville woman hopes vent solves methane dilemma

BY ERIC HRIN (STAFF WRITER)
Published: March 18, 2010

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Review Photo/ERIC HRIN Shana Spencer of Granville Township shows a vent that has been installed on her well through Talisman Energy in an effort to resolve a problem of methane gas in her water.

GRANVILLE TWP. - Shana Spencer of Granville Township has vented her frustration over methane in her well water.

Now, she's hoping to vent the troublesome gas itself.

Spencer, who lives on High Bridge Road 2,400 feet from Talisman Energy's "Foust" gas well, believes that the methane that has been detected in her water is the result of some type of disturbance from gas well activity in the area. However, a Talisman spokesman earlier stated that the company believes there is no cause and effect relationship between its drilling operations in the Granville Summit area and the incidence of methane in Spencer's well water.

Still, the company is helping Spencer. Mark Scheuerman, manager of government and media relations for Talisman, said, "We're continuing to work with her. We're just going to continue to do what is appropriate and helpful."

Recently, Talisman Energy delivered 25 one-gallon jugs and five two-and-a-half gallon jugs of spring water to her house. And on Wednesday, the company had a local well driller extend her well above-ground and install a vent in an effort to purge the methane from the water.

When asked if she thought the vent would work, Spencer said, "I don't know. We'll see. Time will tell." She said it's a start.

Dan Spadoni, community relations coordinator with the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), said the danger of methane in water is that it can ignite, causing a fire or an explosion. He also noted that certain geologic formations can cause methane to be in water.

Spencer said the well driller, Keith Havens, spent seven hours at her house installing the vent.

She's happy with Talisman's effort.

"I'm actually pleased that they're listening," she said. "I said I would believe it when I see it, but they've come through."

Spencer said tests were conducted on her water Saturday, but the results aren't available yet. She said the company will periodically check the gas levels in the future and she will also be watching them with hope.

"I hope it will work so I don't have to go to more costly options," she said. "This (the vent) is the cheapest, most reasonable way, but I hope it does work."

However, she is wary about ever drinking her water again. And she's glad that she's made other people aware of potential dangers.

"I think I did the right thing."

Eric Hrin can be reached at (570) 297-5251; e-mail: reviewtroy@thedailyreview.com.

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