It all depends on where the well is located. For example: if an operator decides that an open pasture on a farm is the best location for a well pad, then you won’t see much of a change in the landscape once the well is completed. Should the well pad be located in an area that requires the removal of trees, then yes, the landscape will be somewhat altered. The same holds true for pipelines and access roads.
The important thing to keep in mind here is that once the well is completed and put into service, operators are required by law to reclaim the location. Reclaimed well sites are roughly 1-1.5 acres in size. The Marcellus Shale Coalition has published a set of recommended practices for operators to consider when planning, constructing and reclaiming well sites. That information can be found HERE.
