Picture- Natural Gas Trucks in Youngstown
In Youngstown, Ohio, there had not been any seismic activity since the 18th century when the land was being settled. On March 17, there were two minor earthquakes. In the following eight months, there were several more. Nine earthquakes in a previously dormant area is very unusual. The epicenters were calculated to be at a natural gas disposal well.They claim that the waste water went too far down, unlocking ancient faults, which caused the earthquakes.
I think this is ridiculous. When coroporations dig wells for Natural Gas, they have to research the area thoroughly, so something like this doesn't happen. Maybe if they could get 100% confidence that it is the Gas companies' fault, the company could have some consequences. The companies are causing trouble everywhere, and the government isn't doing anything to stop it.
Question 1: Do you think it is the gas companies fault?
Question 2: Is there an equally effective alternative to natural gas mining?
Question 3: What can we do to help with problems like these?
By: Jarrett Hershman
I completely agree with Jarrett! The gas companies should have thoroughly researched before they dug the wells in order to get natural gas. This lead to the action of several earthquakes taking place in an area that has not had any seismic activity since the 18th century! If I was a citizen in Ohio, I would be furious with the gas companies because of the troubles they have caused. I would also be extremely concerned because I wouldn't know if any more earthquakes were coming in the near future!
ReplyDeleteIn answer to Jarrett's question, I think that the gas companies are 100% at fault for the cause of these earthquakes. It is common knowledge not to dig a well somewhere that you haven't done any research on. There can be serious consequences from digging a well in certain areas due to its surroundings. The companies were foolish enough to not do any research, and now this is the outcome people had to face: earthquakes.
I strongly agree with Jarrett. The companies must conduct thorough research on where the safest mining sites are to prevent disasters like this from occurring. I agree with Taylor that if I lived in Ohio I would be extremely unhappy with these circumstances. If I knew that my home was at risk for this many earthquakes in such a short time, I would try to move as soon as possible.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Taylor again that it is entirely the natural gas company's fault for not knowing where they were digging. If they continue to pick digging sites without research on the land they may end up triggering an catastrophic earthquake that could destroy an area, including that company's facility.
I agree with what jarrett wrote. All research and testing should be done on safe sites before more wells are built. If my life was changed or affected by the activity i Ohio, i would not be very happy with the companies. It is unliikely that the people who are affected by the trouble will be able to sell their houses, and they are probably stuck where they are now.
ReplyDeleteNo doubt, the companies are at fault. The seismic activity in the area is not coincidental, and the companies know it. They did not go deep enough into their research and didnt take the safety precautions that they should have.