McMath Woods has represented landowners whose property has been damaged as a result of pollution from oil and gas exploration activities. In some instances, the damage was done years ago, but the property was never adequately restored. In certain instances, we have been successful in recovering damages for the restoration of polluted property, even where the damage occurred decades earlier.

More recently, Arkansas has experienced a boom in gas drilling in the Fayetteville Shale formation that lies beneath Conway, Faulkner, White and Van Buren Counties. While there are many positive aspects to be realized from this so-called “Fayetteville Shale Play” there is also the potential for adverse consequences to the environment. Drilling for natural gas in the Fayetteville Shale generates large quantities of by-products including drilling and fracturing fluids. These materials must be disposed of in a responsible manner. When they are not, they can cause damage to property, harm to streams and the aquatic life in them, and groundwater pollution. Drilling activities may cause damage to timber and crops. It may result in noise at intolerable levels. All of this may disrupt the peace and quiet that you previously enjoyed. Finally, gas well fracturing has caused damage to private drinking water wells. While companies have the right to drill and develop the gas, they also owe a duty to residents and landowners not to cause them harm.

If you believe that you have been harmed as a result of oil or gas exploration activities, please contact us today for a free consultation.