The reason for this explosion in California is yet to be known. But, it doesn't matter. These practices by this industry needs to stop. NOW !!!!!!!
My deepest sympathies to the families that have lost members in this tragedy in California. They thought they were safe. They weren't !
Hydraulic Fracturing is a National Security issue as it can turn a simple 'match strike' into an attack against our nation on some of the most precious lands of this country. It imperils lives and it needs to be stopped immediately.
PG&E Continues Response Efforts at Scene of San Bruno Fire
Release Date: September 10, 2010
Contact: PG&E External Communications (415) 973-5930
SAN BRUNO, Calif. – Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) crews worked through the night and continue to work this morning with emergency officials at the scene of yesterday's explosion and fire in San Bruno.
"On behalf of our 20,000 men and women, our thoughts and prayers go out to those who have been affected by yesterday's terrible tragedy," said PG&E President Chris Johns. "I also want to express our appreciation to the hundreds of first responders and emergency services personnel who were on scene and who are assisting those in need."
PG&E crews are working to make the area safe, assess damage and restore service, where possible. PG&E's emergency operations center has been activated, and additional crews are ready to assist.
The damaged section of the 30-inch steel gas transmission pipeline has been isolated and gas flow has been stopped to the affected area. Gas flow to the area gas distribution pipes has also been stopped....
http://www.pennenergy.com/index/power/display/5426772448/articles/powergenworldwide/emissions-and-environment/regulation/2010/09/epa-frac.html
EPA asks for data on natural gas hydraulic fracturing practices (click title to entry - thank you)
9 September 2010 -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued voluntary information requests to nine natural gas service companies regarding the process known as hydraulic fracturing. The agency called the data requested "integral" to its study of the issue, which Congress in 2009 directed the agency to conduct to determine whether hydraulic fracturing has an impact on drinking water and public health.
EPA made the requests of nine national and regional hydraulic fracturing service providers: BJ Services, Complete Production Services, Halliburton, Key Energy Services, Patterson-UTI, PRC Inc., Schlumberger, Superior Well Services and Weatherford.
EPA is seeking information on the chemical composition of fluids used in the hydraulic fracturing process, data on the impacts of the chemicals on human health and the environment, standard operating procedures at hydraulic fracturing sites and the locations of sites where fracturing has been conducted. EPA said this information will be used as the basis for gathering further information on a selection of sites.
Hydraulic fracturing is a process in which large volumes of water, sand and chemicals are injected at high pressures to extract oil and natural gas from underground rock formations. The process creates fractures in formations such as shale rock, allowing natural gas or oil to escape into the well and be recovered. During the past few years, the use of hydraulic fracturing has expanded across much of the country.
EPA announced in March that it will study the potential adverse impact that hydraulic fracturing may have on drinking water. To solicit input on the scope of the study, EPA is holding a series of public meetings in major oil and gas production regions to hear from citizens, independent experts and industry. The initial results of the study will be announced in late 2012. EPA will identify additional information for industry to provide – including information on fluid disposal practices and geological features – that will help EPA carry out the study.
Read more news and features on environmental regulations....
9 September 2010 -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued voluntary information requests to nine natural gas service companies regarding the process known as hydraulic fracturing. The agency called the data requested "integral" to its study of the issue, which Congress in 2009 directed the agency to conduct to determine whether hydraulic fracturing has an impact on drinking water and public health.
EPA made the requests of nine national and regional hydraulic fracturing service providers: BJ Services, Complete Production Services, Halliburton, Key Energy Services, Patterson-UTI, PRC Inc., Schlumberger, Superior Well Services and Weatherford.
EPA is seeking information on the chemical composition of fluids used in the hydraulic fracturing process, data on the impacts of the chemicals on human health and the environment, standard operating procedures at hydraulic fracturing sites and the locations of sites where fracturing has been conducted. EPA said this information will be used as the basis for gathering further information on a selection of sites.
Hydraulic fracturing is a process in which large volumes of water, sand and chemicals are injected at high pressures to extract oil and natural gas from underground rock formations. The process creates fractures in formations such as shale rock, allowing natural gas or oil to escape into the well and be recovered. During the past few years, the use of hydraulic fracturing has expanded across much of the country.
EPA announced in March that it will study the potential adverse impact that hydraulic fracturing may have on drinking water. To solicit input on the scope of the study, EPA is holding a series of public meetings in major oil and gas production regions to hear from citizens, independent experts and industry. The initial results of the study will be announced in late 2012. EPA will identify additional information for industry to provide – including information on fluid disposal practices and geological features – that will help EPA carry out the study.
Read more news and features on environmental regulations....
A law enforcement official (click here) walks away from a massive fire in a residential neighborhood September 9, 2010 in San Bruno, California. A huge explosion rocked a neighborhood near San Francisco International Airport.
San Francisco, California (CNN) -- Pacific Gas and Electric, (click here) whose ruptured gas transmission line led to a massive fire in San Bruno, California, was culpable in at least one previous deadly incident, documents show....
