Sinkhole forms in Delaware County, Pa. on Mariner East 2 route
Monday, April 29, 2019
A sinkhole with a 12-foot diameter was discovered along the route of the Mariner East 2 pipeline along Baltimore Pike near the state police barracks in Delaware County, Pa., on Wednesday, according to the Daily Times.
Although no leaks, damage or injuries were reported in relation to the sinkhole, the township launched an investigation to look into the cause of the hole. Crews and an environmental engineer were on site as the hole was being filled.
Energy Transfer Partners, the company building the Mariner East pipeline, confirmed the sinkhole but stressed there was no danger and pipeline operations were not interrupted.
Learn more: Daily Times > Sinkhole forms in Delco along pipeline route
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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.