Federal Court halts PennEast Pipeline
Tuesday, March 26, 2019
A week ago, the Third U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals granted New Jersey a stay, which stopped construction of the PennEast natural gas pipeline, to give the state time to resolve issues with the company regarding property both parties have interest in, according to The Morning Call.
The court issued the order in an appeal by several New Jersey state agencies that challenged the federal court’s jurisdiction to hear eminent domain actions by a private company, arguing the matter should be heard in state court.
Although construction has been halted, the PennEast Pipeline Co. is permitted to continue surveying and testing for the 110-mile pipeline.
Learn more: The Morning Call > Federal appeals court issues stay halting PennEast pipeline project
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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.