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How Does Horizontal Drilling Do Less Damage to the Landscape?
When it comes to accessing resources like oil, natural gas and even water as well as installing underground utilities, traditional drilling methods have often been associated with significant landscape disruption and environmental impact. However, there’s a more innovative approach that’s gaining traction for its ability to minimise damage while getting the job done: horizontal drilling. This technique not only improves efficiency but also reduces the negative impact on both natural and urban environments.
What happens during horizontal drilling
Horizontal drilling involves drilling a well vertically to a certain depth and then gradually turning the drill bit to drill horizontally through a targeted rock formation. This technique allows access to underground resources that were previously challenging to accessed using conventional vertical drilling methods. By drilling horizontally, for example, operators can tap into reservoirs that may be distant from the drilling site while also minimising the surface footprint.
Less surface disturbance
One of the primary reasons horizontal drilling does less damage to the landscape is its reduced surface disturbance. Traditional vertical drilling often requires multiple well pads to access different portions of a reservoir, leading to a scattered impact across the landscape. In contrast, horizontal drilling requires only a single well pad to access a larger area beneath the surface. This means fewer access points and less land disruption.
Preserving wildlife and habitat
The reduced surface disturbance of horizontal drilling contributes to the preservation of wildlife habitats. In areas where ecosystems are fragile or endangered species reside, minimising disruption is crucial. Horizontal drilling reduces the need to clear large areas, protecting vegetation and minimising the risk of disturbing animal populations.
Mitigating water contamination
Vertical drilling can sometimes lead to issues with water contamination due to the potential for fluids and chemicals to migrate upwards through fractures in the rock. Horizontal drilling is often associated with a lower risk of water contamination because the wellbore is situated deeper below the water table. In addition, advanced technologies like well casing and cementing techniques are used to further mitigate the risk of water pollution.
Enhancing resource recovery
Horizontal drilling also improves the efficiency of resource extraction. By drilling through the targeted rock formations horizontally, operators can access a larger surface area of the reservoir. This increased contact with the resource-bearing rock means greater resource recovery without the need for multiple vertical wells.
Economy, efficiency and environment
As society becomes more environmentally conscious and as urban environments get more dense and crowded, finding ways to get the job done while minimising disruption is crucial. Horizontal drilling emerges as a solution that offers efficient resource extraction as well as reduced disruption and environmental impact.
About Tebco
Here at Tebco, we help companies properly and efficiently carry out horizontal drilling. We accomplish this by providing them with the most appropriate equipment and tools for the job. Our technology is suitable for a variety of soil conditions, whether it’s clay, silt, sand or rock. Contact us today if you’re looking for a stock of key parts and offer full service back up for your horizontal drilling project.
More info about horizontal drilling:
- Horizontal directional drilling
- The benefits of horizontal boring