News Summary
APEX Natural Gas, LLC has proposed natural gas drilling operations near the former Shreveport Country Club, prompting concerns from local residents. The company is inviting property owners to a public hearing where they can express their worries. While APEX aims to extend lateral lines under Cross Lake, residents are apprehensive about potential risks, including damage to homes and contamination of drinking water. The city is exploring urban mineral rights amid rising urban drilling activities, despite skepticism from residents regarding compensation offers.
Shreveport – APEX Natural Gas, LLC has put forth a proposal for natural gas drilling operations around the site of the former Shreveport Country Club, which has raised concerns among local residents. The company has begun sending out notices to property owners in the vicinity, inviting them to participate in a public hearing that will allow them to express their worries and provide feedback regarding their inclusion in the drilling unit.
The public hearing is set to address community feedback but will not delve into broader quality of life issues, as these are under the jurisdiction of local authorities. APEX Natural Gas’ drilling plans include extending lateral lines northward under Cross Lake, reaching just beyond Interstate 220. These lateral lines have the potential to cover distances of up to 20,000 feet, the equivalent of more than 3.5 miles.
Patrick Courreges, Communications Director of the Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources, noted that while urban drilling may be a new experience for many residents, the scale of the operations will be significantly less than those witnessed during the Haynesville Shale boom in 2007-2008.
Concerns Raised by Residents
Many community members are vocal about their apprehensions regarding potential issues following drilling operations. Among the primary concerns are possible damage to home foundations, increased noise levels, dust, and the risk of contamination to drinking water supplies from nearby drilling activities. The proposed drilling site encompasses a 218-acre area that has remained inactive since 2016, originally intended for residential development that never materialized.
Shreveport’s Urban Mineral Rights
In a related move, the City of Shreveport recently leased over 500 urban acres for gas drilling, indicating a growing interest in urban mineral rights. This has arisen partially due to a decline in available drilling sites located in rural areas. Current mineral lease bonuses are reported to vary between $2,500 to $4,100 per acre, accompanied by royalties ranging from 22.5% to 25%.
Residents’ Skepticism and Legal Precautions
Despite the financial offers being presented for mineral rights, many residents express skepticism, stating that these proposals are significantly lower than the offers experienced during previous drilling booms. The implementation of urban drilling has also sparked environmental concerns, particularly regarding potential impacts on both air and water quality as raised by local community committees.
Health and Safety Risks
Recent operations involving gas extraction, specifically concerning water removal for fracking, have occurred in proximity to residential neighborhoods, prompting alarm among locals about putting their health and safety at risk. In light of these developments, residents are being advised to consult with legal experts prior to signing any mineral lease contracts to ensure that their rights and interests are well-protected.
Overview of Haynesville Shale Activities
The Haynesville Shale is regarded as a significant economic source for natural gas, with expectations of increased activity in urban centers as advancements in drilling technology continue to evolve. As APEX Natural Gas moves forward with its proposal, the community’s concerns underscore the need for careful consideration and dialogue surrounding the implications of urban drilling.
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Additional Resources
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Natural Gas Drilling Coming to Shreveport Country Club
- Shreveport Times: Biden’s Offshore Drilling Ban Impact on Louisiana
- KSLA: Caddo Officials Address Oil and Natural Gas Drilling Noise Issues
- Wikipedia: Natural Gas
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Haynesville Shale Impact on NW Louisiana
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.
