Pennsylvania DEP approves permits for Atlantic Sunrise pipeline
Saturday, September 9, 2017
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection approved permits for the Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline Project, which will transport Marcellus Shale natural gas from northeast Pennsylvania to southern states, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.
The agency approved critical water-crossing permits — the required Chapter 105 water-obstruction and encroachment permits and Chapter 102 erosion and sedimentation-control permits — for the 180-mile, $3 billion pipeline project.
Williams Cos. expects construction to begin in early fall. It is designed to move 1.7 billion cubic feet of natural gas a day, enough to supply seven million homes, according to the company.
Learn more: The Philadelphia Inquirer > Pa. regulators approve permits for Atlantic Sunrise gas pipeline
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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.