News Summary
Residents of Shreveport, Louisiana, are alarmed as equipment is set up to extract water from Cross Lake for natural gas fracking. This marks a significant change for the city, raising concerns about potential environmental impacts and water safety. Local residents have discovered water lines and drilling rigs being established close to their homes, prompting fears about contamination and quality of life. Experts note a trend towards urban drilling as demand for natural gas increases, which complicates the landscape for residential mineral rights and community health.
Shreveport, Louisiana is facing growing concerns as equipment has been set up to extract water from Cross Lake for natural gas fracking operations. This development has taken place on South Lakeshore Drive, raising alarms among local residents about potential environmental repercussions and quality of life issues.
Recently, local residents Elizabeth Ersoff and her husband discovered water lines leading from Cross Lake while walking near their home. They noticed several large machines operating in the area, which led to their surprise and subsequent concerns. Workers on-site confirmed that these machines were indeed being used for natural gas fracking activities, marking a significant change for the city.
While Shreveport has been selling water for fracking operations since 2024, this is the first instance where it is being pulled directly from Cross Lake. The construction of a drilling rig just two blocks from the Ersoff’s residence on Lakecrest Drive has intensified their concerns over noise pollution and potential structural issues with their home due to nearby activities.
Ersoff expressed worries about contamination from fracking operations so close to their drinking water supply, a sentiment shared by other residents in the area. This incident reflects a growing pattern in urban drilling as the demand for natural gas escalates, particularly as plans for numerous new gas plants are underway in neighboring regions.
Industry experts suggest an increase in interest in urban mineral rights and drilling, particularly in Shreveport and nearby Bossier City. On June 11, 2025, the city leased over 500 urban acres to Chesapeake Louisiana L.P. and Cypress Energy Partners LLC. The city garnered cash bonuses ranging from $2,500 to $4,100 per acre and royalties varying from 22.5% to 25% from the leases. These properties span several neighborhoods, including areas from Broadmoor to University Terrace and parts of West Shreveport.
Experts in mineral consulting emphasize how increasing urban drilling is becoming common as viable drilling locations within the Haynesville Shale region become scarcer. However, individual mineral owners in residential settings may have little clout when it comes to negotiating lease agreements. When disagreements emerge regarding leasing terms, a process known as force pooling could occur, further complicating the situation for mineral owners.
Additionally, the city has the opportunity to gain mineral rights on properties transitioning to municipal ownership due to tax nonpayment, under state law established in the 1920s. Despite a downturn in natural gas prices, the future demand for gas is projected to rise sharply. This trend is encouraged by Texas developers who are aiming to build up to 130 new gas plants to accommodate increasing energy demands.
The value of the Haynesville Shale market has fluctuated significantly, experiencing peaks and valleys, notably reaching high prices in 2008 before going through a significant downturn. As such fluctuations continue, the balancing act of managing urban drilling with community health and safety becomes increasingly critical.
The growing anxiety surrounding water safety and the impact of drilling activities near residential areas continues to develop as Shreveport embraces new opportunities in the natural gas sector. This situation serves as a focal point for discussions about sustainable energy practices and the importance of maintaining water quality in the face of industrial expansion.
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Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
