Gas Drilling Accidents

September 20, 2009, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Sudden Death of Ecosystem Ravages Long Creek ‘Everything is Being Killed’

161 Aquatic Species have Died Along Dunkard Creek

by Don Hopey

Summary

Dunkard Creek which meanders lazily back and forth across the border of Pennsylvania and West Virginia was one of the most ecologically diverse streams in both states, containing freshwater mussels, mudpuppy salamanders and a host of fish species from minnows to 3-foot-long muskies.  Today 161 species of fish, mussels, salamanders, crayfish and aquatic insects have been wiped out along the creek.  While the EPA has yet to pinpoint the cause, chemical analysis shows the creek water contains extremely high total dissolved solids or TDS and chlorides, properties found in wastewater from Marcellus Shale.  The state agencies are now looking at the possibility that someone has illegally dumped drilling wastewater into the creek to avoid the expense of complying with laws governing its disposal. CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL STORY

September 18, 2009 

Hazardous Chemicals Cited in Drilling Spill

Pa. Officials Monitoring Creek; Test Results Expected Next Week

By Tom Wilber

twilber@gannett.com

Summary

Cabot Oil & Gas reported between 6,000 and 8,000 gallons of an agent used to stimulate natural gas production leaked from the Heitsman Well and flowed into a wetland that feeds the Stevens Creek, Dumrock, PA.  Drilling fluids that spilled into the headwaters of the creek contain a class of hazardous chemicals called volatile organic compounds, according to the latest information from environmental officials.  They are evaluating the risks the spill may pose to an aquifer that supplies drinking water in the rural community.  Evaluation of the accident has been made much more difficult because the documents kept on site detailing properties and hazards of drilling fluids were “relatively vague”.  The gas industry is exempt from a provision in the federal Clean Drinking Water Act that requires full disclosure of chemicals injected into the ground. CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL STORY

9/13/2009 Elmira Star-Gazette.

EPA's study of Gas Drilling in Wyoming Could Impact Local Operations

By Tom Wilber

twilber@gannett.com  

Summary

The federal Environmental Protection Agency has found evidence of caustic chemicals associated with natural gas production in 11 private water supplies in the state of Wyoming. Those findings have intensified battle lines over controversial drilling regulations proposed by Reps. Maurice Hinchey, D-Hurley and Diana DeGette, a Democrat from Colorado that require companies to fully disclose information about chemical solutions they pump into gas wells to increase production.  The bill known as the FRAC Act is intended to protect underground water supplies.  Maurice Hinchey has said, "This is not prohibitive. We need safeguards against reckless and careless people who are looking out for their own interests and don't give a damn about anybody else ... Fresh air and clean water are the two most important elements of living on this planet. Without them, we will not be around."  CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL STORY

July 31, 2009, ProPublica

Water Problems From Drilling Are More Frequent Than PA Officials Said

by Abrahm Lustgarten

Summary

Methane related to the natural gas industry has contaminated water wells in at least seven Pennsylvania counties since 2004 and is common enough that the state hired a full-time inspector dedicated to the issue in 2006. In one case, methane was detected in water sampled over 15 square miles. In another, a methane leak led to an explosion that killed a couple and their 17-month-old grandson.  Methane is the largest component of natural gas. Since it evaporates out of drinking water, it is not considered toxic, but in the air it can lead to explosions. When methane is found in water supplies, it can also signal that deeply drilled gas wells are linked with drinking water systems.  Gas companies are required to use certain specified types of concrete to encase their well pipes, however, most states do not require testing to confirm that the concreted used is strong enough for the job. CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL STORY