Chesapeake Energy said in a statement that it will pay the fines and has improved its cementing and casing practices since the investigation.

FORBES: Pennsylvania Pins Record Fine on Shale-Gas Producer

These operators also place an emphasis on appropriate casing designs and cementing practices to maintain wellbore integrity and protect the freshwater aquifers.

FORBES: U.S. Energy Independence - So Close, Yet So Far

Cementing fills and seals the annulus between the well casing and the drilled hole.

FORBES: The Fracking Solution Is A Good Cement Job