Archive for February, 2011

EPA Develops Plan to Study Hydraulic Fracturing Process

The U.S. Environmental Protection (EPA) has announced the submission of its draft study plan on hydraulic Fracturing for review by a panel of independent scientists. After announcing its intention to study the hydraulic fracturing process in March 2010 and conducting a series of public meetings across the country last July, August and September, the EPA [...]

Recent Gas Explosions Raise Questions of U.S. Pipeline Safety

A series of natural gas explosions has raised questions about the safety of the nation’s aging pipeline system. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has scheduled a hearing March 1-3 concerning results of an investigation into a San Bruno, CA pipeline explosion caused by a faulty pipe and will discuss concerns about the pipeline infrastructure [...]

Thousands of Gallons of Fracking Fluids Spill at Natural Gas Well on PA State Forest Land

A mechanical failure during hydraulic fracturing operations on a natural gas well in Pennsylvania’s Tioga County caused a blow out of the well and a spill of about 21,000 gallons of fracking fluid. Hydraulic fracturing is a process used to increase the output of oil and gas wells by forcing thousands of gallons of a [...]