February 10, 2009

Scientists and industry officials are working on an answer in Dimock Township, Pa., where gas originating 1,500 feet deep or more seeped into water supplies feeding homes.

Cabot Oil & Gas, of Houston, has taken four water wells off line at homes in the Carter Road area and is venting nearby natural gas wells suspected to be related to the problem. The intensive investigation began after a water well exploded Jan. 1.

Tests have traced the gas causing the problem to the Devonian Formation, which includes the Marcellus Shale, said Mark Carmon, spokesman for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

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