Natural gas-powered rigs now operating in Elk County

November 26, 2012

Photo by Amy Cherry This photo shows the drill being raised at a well pad site.

Elk County is now home to one of two drilling rigs converted from diesel to cleaner-burning liquified natural gas by Seneca Resources Corporation for use in its Marcellus Shale operations here. According to a press release from the National Fuel Gas Company, for which Seneca functions as an exploration and production subsidiary, the first rig powered by 100 percent liquified natural gas (LNG) was converted and integrated into Seneca operations in Lycoming County. The company is reportedly proceeding with plans to put a third rig built to run on both diesel and natural gas into use.