Gastar resumes production following West Virginia gas pipeline rupture

US-based energy company Gastar Exploration has restarted production following a shut-in resulting from the rupture of a natural gas pipeline at its Marshall county, West Virginia operations.

Williams, which experienced a rupture and fire in a 12in gas pipeline several miles north of Gastar’s operated properties in Marshall county, inspected the scope of damage to its system.

The company worked with Gastar personnel to determine the process of how to expedite resumption of operations.

The pipeline operated by Williams Partners was closed for four and a half days and is now producing at reduced rates.

From the Marcellus Shale formation, the company is producing at a gross rate of around 50 million cubic feet per day of natural gas (mmcf/day) which is about 19% less compared to average daily production volumes in March.

According to the company, production is now flowing into a larger pipeline operated by Williams to the south of Gastar’s acreage that feeds the Ft Beeler station.

Williams expects to complete repairs and resume normal pipeline operations in approximately three weeks.

In another announcement, Gastar said that drilling operations on its first Utica / Point Pleasant well commenced on 3 April.

The Simms U-5H is expected to be drilled by the company to a total vertical depth of 11,100ft and a 4,200ft lateral, followed by a 21-stage fracture stimulation. First sales are expected in July, upon successful completion of the well.