POWHATAN POINT — XTO Energy today successfully capped a Marcellus and Utica shale well that had been leaking methane since it exploded in mid-February.

Belmont County Commissioner J.P. Dutton announced the operation had been completed during today’s commission meeting. He received the news via text message from county Emergency Management Agency Director Dave Ivan.

A Feb. 15 explosion at the XTO Schnegg pad along Cats Run led to the evacuation of about 100 residents in the area. Most of them had been allowed to return home, but some remained displaced while crews worked for weeks to access and cap the damaged wellhead.

The claims office will remain open for several more days. XTO representatives and claims adjusters are on site to assist with the community’s needs. Any local residents who may have been impacted by this incident are encouraged to call 855-351-6573.