What Are the Dangers of Natural Gas Well Drilling?

Spills and Leaks

• The most obvious danger in drilling for natural gas on land or offshore is the risk of leaks and spills. The advantage with natural gas in this area is that it will dissipate into the atmosphere rather than covering the surface of an ocean as oil would, although this claim is little better than saying natural gas is the lesser of two evils. As natural gas is flammable, there is a major risk if a leak occurs as a spark could cause the entire drilling structure to explode. The process of drilling also involves forcing air underground to break up rock formations allowing the gas to escape. This can weaken the bedrock and lead to pockets of flammable gas being trapped under the surface.

Human Safety

• One of the key safety concerns, especially with offshore drilling, is the risk to the people working on the rig. This is hard, dangerous work and if an accident does occur, fatalities and injuries are not uncommon. There is also a risk to local populations with drilling on land. Residents near gas drilling wells have reported increased levels of heavy metals in drinking water and chemicals, such as benzene, entering the water table.

Environmental Damage

• The environmental damage caused by the burning of carbon fuels, like natural gas, are well-documented, but the drilling process is also an environmental problem. The construction of a drilling rig requires the transportation of hundreds of tons of equipment. The local area will have to be cleared and flattened to allow for the platform and may involve the felling of trees. Water is vital for gas wells as the equipment needs cooling. This involves the diverting of local water sources to the well. Lastly the rig requires a pipeline to transport the gas. This involves destroying the local landscape so there is a clear run for the pipe from the rig to distribution centers. This is on top of the pollution caused by the natural gas when it is burned.

Ecosystems

• Deforestation has an obvious environmental problem in terms of reducing carbon, but it also has a major effect on local wildlife and plants. Deforestation is not only damaging to the plants, but deprives all animals, from tiny insects to larger mammals and birds, of a habitat. The local water sources, which are vital for both flora and fauna, will also be diverted to the well which could lead to rivers, streams and tributaries drying up.