Natural Gas Program Updates

The University of Texas at Arlington has leased mineral rights to Carrizo Oil and Gas, Inc. for the purpose of exploring and developing natural gas from an underground geologic formation called the Barnett Shale.  This underground formation lies more than a mile below the earth’s surface and covers approximately 5,000 square miles in at least 17 counties in North Texas.

In early August, Carrizo began the well completion phase at the site located at the southeast corner of the UT Arlington campus.  This phase included a process known as fracturing, or “fracing.”  This process was completed ahead of schedule on September 11.  Carrizo is now in the final stages of the completion phase and is about to begin the production and transportation phase.

Although other potential well sites have been identified on campus, the University will not even consider drilling at any other sites until the entire process at the first site has been thoroughly reviewed and assessed.

The University has created this web site to serve as a resource for the University community.  It provides important information — including a list of Frequently Asked Questions — regarding gas exploration and production on campus.

Website Updated September 17, 2008