One of Seneca Resources contractors monitors the filling of the water tanks during a hydraulic fracturing job. The lines and hoses are used to transfer water from the water impoundment (pond) to these tanks where it is gathered to be pumped into the well.
The process called hydraulic fracturing or "hydrofracing," involves pumping water mixed with sand and a very minimal amount of chemicals into the well at a very high pressure to fracture the formation and allow the natural gas to flow freely.
Once the fracturing process is completed, Seneca removes fluids from the well and recycles the water, sand and chemical mixture, (referred to as "frac fluid"), to use in other well operations. Any frac fluid that is not recycled is treated to remove and clean the water. Seneca's goal is to recycle 100 percent of all frac fluid, resulting in zero discharge in its operations. Seneca is also working toward developing beneficial use applications for its drill cuttings and/or frac fluid - for example, attempting to recycle and re-use filtered and treated flowback and production waters. Seneca is committed to being best in class, employing best practices in its operations and being a good steward of the environment. Evidence of this commitment is Seneca's water usage policies as well as its frac fluid recycling program.