FAQs

Find the information you need about this site, and the hydraulic fracturing process, also known as fracking.

How do I read the disclosure sheets?

To find out how to read the disclosure sheets, click here.

What wells are included?

This site includes natural gas from shale (NGS) directed hydraulically fractured (also known as fracked) wells drilled after 1st January 2011 by participating operators in the Energy Community (including observers). This includes: EU countries and Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Moldova, Ukraine and Kosovo.

When is the data on the site updated?

Data on wells is entered as soon as possible after hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking, has occurred, operators have committed to submitting data in a timely manner. As Invoice quantities are used it may take up to a month for data to be available for submission.

What about the rest of the world?

For wells drilled in the USA and Canada please visit www.fracfocus.org and www.fracfocus.ca or operators' websites.

How can an operator participate in NGS Facts?

Operators can participate in this voluntary disclosure site if they commit to submitting data in a timely manner for all of their NGS-directed hydraulically fractured (also known as fracked) wells in the EEC (including observers). For more information on how your company can participate, contact NGS Facts at 0EZD%y*-~`eARdNnQl/x\o]#[p0L6klnmrwT!FK+RF`8hOW

Which organisations support the use of NGS Facts?

To see a list of the current organisations which support NGS Facts click here.

Where can I access other information about Natural Gas from Shale and hydraulic fracturing?

For questions regarding seismicity, chemicals, water and greenhouse gases see our Shale Gas and Hydraulic fracturing document. To access other sites on gas from shale and hydraulic fracturing (also known as fracking) visit our links page.

Where can I find detailed information on chemicals and their use in hydraulic fracturing

Visit the 'What chemicals are used' webpage at Fracfocus.org.

Why are REACH numbers not included in the disclosure sheets?

REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) is the regulation that allows chemicals to be used in the EU. All additives in fracturing fluids that exceed the one metric tonne threshold and other requirements set by REACH Regulation must be registered at ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) by the manufacturer or importer.

The dates for registration have been phased over a period of years in order to spread the burden on industry. High tonnage and high hazard substances had to be registered by 30th November 2010, with 100-1000 tonne/year chemicals by 1st June 2013 and finally, 1-100 tonne/year chemicals by 1st June 2018.

Many hydraulic fracturing (also known as fracking)related chemicals have not yet reached the thresholds laid out under REACH and so are not yet listed on the European Chemicals Agency's (ECHA) database. As a result, a column for registration numbers would be mostly blank, giving the false impression that these substances are not regulated. Currently substances used in hydraulic fracturing are registered under the ‘oil and gas extraction’ category and registration files for these substances include the correct exposure scenario for use in hydraulic fracturing.

IOGP will monitor the evaluation of the ECHA database and will consider the best way to integrate them into the NGS FACTS disclosure sheet, as part of its annual review process.

How often is this site reviewed?

The NGS Facts website is reviewed annually. We welcome your input. Please email your comments to NGS Facts at 0EZD%y*-~`eARdNnQl/x\o]#[p0L6klnmrwT!FK+RF`8hOW. If you are seeking detailed information about a specfic well please contact the operator shown on the disclosure sheet.