Natural gas leaks and explosions occur with astonishing regularity all over the United States, often with tragic consequences. The environmental consequences of hydraulic fracturing aside, there are very real questions about the integrity of our country's natural gas infrastructure and its ability to handle the current load, let alone the extra burden presented by shale gas. Here’s a round-up of the events that drew media coverage over the last week or so.
It’s been a busy week around the country for natural gas leaks and natural gas explosions, so let’s get right to it, then, shall we?
In St. Louis, MO, a vacant house exploded on Monday night, blowing and bricks from the building and setting the place on fire. No one was injured.
In Ellicott City, MD, a natural gas pipeline exploded on Saturday morning, July 16. The explosion occurred at the Transco natural gas pipeline station, owned and operated by the Williams Companies Inc. Williams recently received permission from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to expand the Transco pipeline.
On Wednesday, July 13, a house exploded in Lake Worth, FL. Authorities attributed the blast to a leaking natural gas valve. From a CBS12 story:
Their investigation has determined that a natural gas shut-off valve that used to be connected to a clothes dryer somehow got cracked open or it sprang a leak and that caused natural gas to leak into the house.
The natural gas vapors drifted into the attic, and when the air conditioning unit in the attic came on, there was a spark which ignited the natural gas, causing an explosion and fire.
“I just have to give God thanks and praise I came out alive because when I look back at what had happened, I made it out. Its just amazing,” said Pyke.
The blast was so powerful it blew the roof off, and it blew the garage door into the top of tree. Bits of insulation from the attic were found about 200 feet away.
Read more here.