Drilling Safely and Successfully
Once the site is ready, it's time to set up the equipment and get to work. Modern technology allows our custom-built rigs to drill many wells - not just one - from a single location. The wellbore, or drill hole, is about the size of a picture frame, and the wells are about a mile deep. Once underground, we can drill horizontally in any direction for thousands of feet to reach the best shale formations ... almost like spokes on a wheel. Our technology is so precise that we can pinpoint within inches the location of the drill bit underground.
See how a well is drilled.
Range Resources goes above and beyond all state regulations to ensure that the underground aquifers are protected. Every wellbore is encased in several layers of fully cemented steel to keep it isolated. Keeping our water resources safe for future generations is one of our top priorities.
Working Together for Better Results
Landowners and neighbors are our partners in this process, so a good working relationship is very important to us. You can rest assured that if any damage occurs to roads or bridges, Range Resources will repair or rebuild them as required by law, at no cost to local taxpayers. Whenever possible, we'll actually upgrade the roads before we even start the process. The roadways are often in better condition after we leave than they were before we arrived.
Every Well is Unique
How long drilling continues depends on the individual site. Some locations might be completed and reclaimed within just a few months of breaking ground. In other cases, if drilling plans expand, wells may be active for a year or two. We're committed to keeping landowners informed every step of the way.