Every so often you're introduced to a company that's doing something unique. It's blazing new trails to form an industry that's solving a real problem. What's even better is that the problem that's being solved involves a multibillion dollar industry that's still just getting started.
You see, the energy industry has an image problem because it has a water problem. The industry requires millions of gallons of water to frack one oil and gas well. Once produced, that water represents a fairly significant environmental risk, which is one reason why so many people are opposed to fracking in the first place.
Heckmann (NYSE: HEK ) enters the equation as the environmental services company that offers a full-cycle solution for the management of water. It has the plan, and the assets to help mitigate many of the risks involved in fracking. As you take a look at the chart below, notice how Heckmann handles the water from delivery to disposal:
Source: Heckmann investor presentation
What differentiates Heckmann, and is also the driving force behind my personal investment, is the company's strength in recycling that leads to less disposal. Before we tackle the all-important recycling component of Heckmann's solution, let's drill down a bit into looking at disposal wells.
In the slide above you'll notice that Heckmann owns 46 wastewater disposal wells. Disposal wells have come under increasing scrutiny of late because it's suspected that they are behind increased seismic activity. That's a real problem for the industry, and the evidence is compelling. For example, one area that's seen increased seismic activity is Ohio which would seem to correspond to the increased activity of the Utica Shale.
While the data is by no means conclusive, it is a risk that bears watching. A variety of companies are drilling these disposal wells, with master limited partnerships like Crosstex Energy (NASDAQ: XTEX ) being one of the many to watch. The company owns an interest in seven disposal wells in Ohio and West Virginia with another well coming on line soon. These wells are designed to simply dispose of the wastewater. Even if the wells prove not to be the cause, the business of owning disposal wells could be tougher to grow because of the perceived risk.
Not only are there increased risks but this wastewater disposal infrastructure doesn't come cheap. SandRidge Energy (NYSE: SD ) , for example, has spent more than $450 million to build out a disposal system in the Mississippian Lime formation. The company has constructed 700 miles of pipeline and has 116 active disposal wells.
Heckmann, however, takes a different approach with a renewed focus on recycling the produced water. It owns an interest in a Marcellus Shale wastewater recycling facility and it's in the process of expanding its treatment and recycling capabilities so that less produced water is being disposed of and more is being reused. While few would believe that the fracking process can become greener, that's exactly what Heckmann is trying to accomplish.
As it works toward a treat and recycle system, instead of the current produce and dispose method, the company should begin to take a greater share of the water life cycle away from its competitors. Instead of offering a simple commodity water solution of either delivering it to or trucking it away from sites, the company offers its customers a full cycle solution. It's a solution that involves fewer risks and eventually will involve much less fresh water.
It's a concept that I can really get behind, and a reason why I'm investing in the company. Last month I made the company my one stock to buy, and while it's bounced around quite a bit, I still view it as a great long-term investment opportunity. There's so much more to the story than could be relayed in this one article, so stay tuned to Fool.com for more information about this intriguing way to invest in the greening of our energy industry.
In the meantime, you might want to check out our completely rewritten premium report on SandRidge. It's saltwater disposal system currently represents a competitive advantage for the company as it develops the Mississippi Lime. As the lowest-cost producer in the play, and with an eye on growing liquids production, the future looks optimistic for the company. If you are unsure about this emerging oil and gas junior and are looking to find out more about its strengths and weaknesses, then check out The Motley Fool's premium research report detailing SandRidge's game plan and what to expect from the company going forward. To get started, simply click here now!
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