Frequently Asked Questions
This list of Frequently Asked Questions is provided by The University of Texas at Arlington. For individual inquiries, please contact Jerry Lewis, Vice President for Communications, at 817-272-0979 or at jerrylewis@uta.edu.
Q: Why is UT Arlington involved in the exploration and production of natural gas?
A: The University has a unique opportunity to develop a potentially significant, long-range revenue stream that could provide vital financial resources and security for decades to come. UT Arlington would use any potential revenue to improve the educational opportunities for its students and to improve the overall quality of life for the University community.
Q: Who is doing the exploration and production?
A: UT Arlington is working with Carrizo Oil and Gas, Inc., a company based in Houston, Texas.
Q: What is the process for exploring for and producing natural gas in the Barnett Shale?
A: There are four phases in the process of exploring for and producing natural gas in the Barnett Shale. The Seismic Phase is the process of acquiring 3-D seismic information to evaluate the subsurface; the Drilling Phase is the process of constructing the drill site area and drilling through the subsurface; the Completion Phase is the process of fracture stimulating the well to allow the natural gas to flow; and the Production Phase is the process of producing the natural gas from the well and delivering it to market.
Q: Which phase is Carrizo currently involved in and what is the schedule?
A: Carrizo has completed the Drilling Phase at the site on the southeast corner of campus. The drilling rig was removed from campus at the end of May 2008. The schedule for the Completion Phase has not yet been finalized but is anticipated to begin by summer 2008.
Q: Is this a firm schedule?
A: This is a projected schedule, which the University and Carrizo will work diligently to maintain. However, it is possible that minor schedule changes may occur. Schedule changes, if any, will be posted on the University’s natural gas web site at www.uta.edu/naturalgas.
Q: I’ve heard there will be drilling at five different locations around campus. Is that true?
A: No. The University is currently committed to drilling at only one site on the southeast corner of campus. Although five potential drilling sites have been identified, the University will not authorize drilling at any other sites until initial drilling at the first site has been thoroughly reviewed and assessed.
Q: What is the University doing to ensure safety?
A: Safety is the top priority for both UT Arlington and Carrizo. Carrizo has developed an emergency preparedness plan, environmental and archaeological assessments, site plans, water plans, truck routes, insurance documentation, and equipment and material use descriptions. This extensive and comprehensive information has given the University the assurance to authorize Carrizo to develop the campus safely and reliably.
Q: Is natural gas exploration and production safe for the environment?
A: UT Arlington and Carrizo are committed to an environmentally safe and responsible gas exploration and production program. The very latest advances in technology are being utilized on the UT Arlington campus.
These FAQs were last updated May 22, 2008.