Natural Gas Wells Present Danger to Workers and Area Residents

Michael S. Callahan | | Oil And Gas

The Barnett Shale and Eagle Ford Shale regions in Texas are heavily exploited for natural gas that exists deep within the rock. The process used to extract natural gas is dangerous for workers and may be hazardous to nearby residents and the environment. Read about private well contamination linked to Barnett Shale exploration and confirmation of air contamination in Texas.

Natural Gas Extraction

Natural gas in Shale regions is extracted using a process called hydraulic fracturing, commonly called “fracking”. In the fracking process, millions of gallons of a mixture of water, sand, and chemicals are forced underground at high pressure. The fracking fluid breaks up the rock and creates tunnels through which natural gas can more freely escape.

A study by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection found that fracturing a single natural gas well could involve three to eight million gallons of water and 80 to 300 tons of chemicals. The study also reported that about half of the fracturing fluid flows back to the surface as natural gas rises up the well.

Fracking Fluid Hazards

According to the New York City study, the fluid that comes back up the well consists of hydrocarbons, residue from the shale formation, and chemicals used in the fracking process. Conventional wastewater treatment is not feasible, so the fluid is hauled away by truck.

The fracking fluid contains neurotoxins and carcinogens such as ethylene glycol and glutaraldehyde. Many people fear these chemicals seep into the surrounding earth, contaminating underground aquifers and are not properly contained at drill sites, polluting watersheds that provide drinking water for nearby residents.

Transportation Dangers

In addition to the potential chemical problems associated with the fracking process, transportation and trucking issues also present danger to workers at natural gas well sites. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), highway motor vehicle crashes accounted for 27 percent of the fatal injuries suffered by oil and gas extraction workers in the United States during 2003-2006.

The New York City study estimated that 1,000 or more trips are required for trucks hauling fracking fluid to and from each well site. In addition, vehicles used in oil and gas extraction are exempt from certain United States Department of Transportation hours-of-service regulations.

The CDC reports that truck drivers and workers in personal automobiles frequently travel long distances between well sites on rural highways that lack firm road shoulders, rumble strips, and, occasionally, pavement. Because workers often are on 8- to 12-hour shifts and work 7 to 14 days in a row, fatigue is a significant risk factor in trucking and transportation accidents among gas extraction workers.

If you have been injured while working at a gas well site, while working in the gas exploration industry or believe your water may be contaminated, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss any legal claims you may have.