Another sinkhole develops along Mariner East Pipeline route
Friday, November 1, 2019
On Monday morning, a third sinkhole developed along the construction route of the Mariner East pipeline in Sleighton Park in Middletown township, Pa, according to the Daily Local News.
The sinkhole was discovered at approximately 2:30 a.m. by Sunoco in a spot adjacent to the location the first sinkhole, which was reported on Sept. 13. No injuries were reported due to the sinkhole and no release of materials was noted during the incident, according to state officials.
The most recent sinkhole was reported to be 8 feet in diameter and 10 feet deep.
Learn more: Daily Local News > Another sinkhole develops along pipeline route in Middletown
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Shale FAQ
What is fracking?
Fracking is a slang term for hydraulic fracturing. Fracturing is a process by which highly pressurized fluid is pumped thousands of feet into the ground to fracture rock formations. The goal is to release the natural gas that’s locked inside the rock.
Is it safe?
What most concerns people about fracturing is ground water contamination. The worry is that fractures underground, caused by the process, will extending upwards and into aquifers, releasing gas and chemicals into the ground water supply. There’s been no confirmed reports of such a thing happening. Though surface spills and drill site blowouts can lead to localized environmental concerns.
Will my water catch on fire?
Flammable water is caused by the release of methane gas into a drinking water supply. Methane gas occurs naturally and can be released by any kind of drilling, including water wells. In Pennsylvania officials fined Chesapeake Energy $1 million for contaminating ground water with methane. It was determined that the company had not properly cemented it’s boreholes and gas migrated up the well, between rock and into aquifers.