Old Fashion BBQ Returns

The oil field is looking very promising and very positive for Alice is what Texas A&M Dean of Petroleum Engineering Dr. Stephen A. Holditch said during the Old Fashion Barbecue sponsored by the Alice Chamber of Commerce.
“The Eagle Ford Shale is for real. We should see some heavy drilling for five to 10 years and pumps even longer some 30 to 40 years,” Dr. Holditch said.
This was a positive message for those who work, support or prosper from the oil and gas industry in the Alice community.
After a seven year hiatus, the barbecue was well received by those who attended the event. Dr Holditch for one was very excited to be back in the Hub City.
“When Juan asked me to come down here to speak. I could not pass on the invitation,” he said. “Alice plays a major role in the Eagle Ford Shale operation.”
While the Eagle Ford Shale is one of many across the United States, it is becoming the most lucrative in production in recent years. Of the Shale currently being drilled, the Eagle Ford ranks second behind Marcellus Shale in Pennsylvania which had consumer savings top $633 million in 2010.
“Now is the best time for young people to get in the oil and gas industries,” Holditch said. “South Texas is in much better shape that the rest of the country because of Eagle Ford Shale production because of the jobs to be filled.”
According to Dr. Holditch, drilling in the Eagle Ford Shale does not affect the water source or environment.
“When done correctly, fracturing or the breaking of the rocks does not damage the environment. The process uses millions of gallons of water, sand and chemicals that are pumped underground to break apart the rocks and release natural gas,” Holditch said. “Because we use so much water, we are looking of ways to use salt water but have to change its chemical balance to make it work. This will save us from having to use much of the fresh water that is in great need right now in Texas.”
The event was organized by the Alice Chamber of Commerce. Event sponsors were Alice Jim Wells County Economic Development, Alice 24-7.com, City of Alice, Jim Wells County, Armando Barrera, Kevin Downes, Bill Findley, Maxine Flournoy, Dr. Ruben Garcia, Sarita Garcia II, Kevin Keetch, Tracy Little, David Silva and Dale Wilson.