Fracking accident leaks benzene into Colorado stream

[Socialistlemur]

4. This should happen less and less

Last edited Sun May 26, 2013, 09:45 AM - Edit history (1)

Evidently a natural gas condensate spill from a leaky pipeline is a serious problem, but this report has a few mistakes. Natural gas condensates are not benzene...they have a small benzene mole fraction. Evidently if the condensate spills into a small creek the water's benzene content will spike. Legal requirements in this case usually spell out the culprit is responsible for cleaning the mess and for remediation. The state sends inspectors who decide whether the cleanup is satisfactory. There is also an investigatin which requires time because the leaky pipeline has to be recovered and sent to a lab for analysis. This is done to understand the nature of the failure. If its caused by negligence ( for example if the pipeline was rusty) then there are serious consequences and heavy fines. I think the article shows quite a bit of ignorance and this should be remedied by training youngsters in high school to know how their stater emulations work. This allows them to put pressure intelligently on individuals and corporations damaging the environment. What's needed is an intelligent and educated citizenry with teeth prepared to serve as watchdogs and defend their environment.