Regarding Drilling in Hurst

The City of Hurst response to citizens regarding the permit processing for drilling. Please read here.

Barnett Shale Gas Well Drilling

Due to recent improvements in technology called hydro-fracture technology, gas drilling has become more of a reality for oil and gas operators. Barnett Shale is a massive natural gas deposit that occurs naturally deep under approximately seven counties in North Central Texas and including northeast Tarrant County. The Barnett field stretches from Dallas west approximately 5,000 square miles and produces about 1.2 billion cubic feet of natural gas a day according to some industry reports.

Many residents in Hurst may have gas reserves underneath their homes. If mineral rights to the home you own were obtained at the time of purchase, you may be contacted by a drilling company for a drilling lease option. In anticipation of the gas drilling, the City of Euless created a Gas Drilling and Production Ordinance with safety and quality of life at the forefront.

If you are contacted and have questions regarding gas drilling or leases, the City of Hurst can not offer legal advice, but may be able to answer any general questions you may have. Please visit the link above that will help explain the drilling process or contact the City of Hurst at 817-788-7000.

The City of Hurst does not lease nor provide advice about leasing private property for gas exploration and drilling. Information provided by the City of Hurst addresses general issues related to gas drilling and mineral leases and is not intended to provide advice on any specific legal matter or factual situation.  This information is not intended to create and its receipt does not constitute a lawyer-client relationship.  Readers should not act upon this information without seeking professional legal counsel. Gas companies offering leases for gas exploration and drilling for privately owned minerals, including those with the words "Hurst" as part of their name or logo, are not associated with or endorsed by the City of Hurst.

• What is the Barnett Shale?
  The Barnett Shale is a large natural gas reserve that stretches underground across a 15 county area. It contains an estimated 26 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and is located approximately 1.5 miles below the surface. In recent years, advances in drilling technology have made it possible for energy companies to extract large amounts of natural gas from the Barnett Shale.
• How can I find out if a natural gas well permit has been obtained near my property or additional information about gas well drilling within our city limits?
  If a gas drilling operator has requested a drilling permit within 1000 feet from your residence, you will receive a notification concerning the request.
  
• Can someone else own the minerals underneath my property? How can I tell if I own my minerals?
  Yes – It is possible that the mineral ownership may be different than surface ownership. A deed/title search may be necessary for one to determine who actually owns the minerals under a piece of property.
• How far must a well be from my property or public structures/areas?
  The distance requirement is regulated by the city’s gas ordinance. No well may be drilled closer than *600* feet from any protected use such as a residence, religious institution, public building, hospital, school or public park without a waiver from the protected use owners or City Council approval.
• Will drilling affect the foundation of my house?
  There is no documented evidence of drilling affecting foundations. Most foundation problems occurring in the North Texas area are a result of ground swell and contraction during alternating periods of wet and dry weather.