A great deal of controversy surrounds the process of hydraulic fracturing, more commonly known as fracking. Most of the controversy surrounds environmental concerns over potential groundwater and soil contamination. However, as many Missouri and Illinois residents may be aware, there is also the risk of fracking explosions and fires in the event that a natural gas well ruptures. This can cause significant harm to not only the surrounding environment, but also to individuals who live nearby or are in the path of any fracking explosions or fires.
The state of Illinois has been taking steps to regulate the fracking industry for quite some time. Over 15 months ago, a particular piece of legislation was signed by Gov. Pat Quinn. In the wake of that law being signed, however, debate is still ongoing and the rule-making needed to give the legislation teeth has been held up because of an extensive commenting process
Specifically, over 39,000 comments have reportedly poured in to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, necessitating the agency to review the comments and the concerns they raise. Critics claim that the comments were electronically manipulated in an attempt to delay the process; while others maintain that each of the comments was legitimately made by actual individuals and poses legitimate fears that need to be addressed.
Many of the fears that surround fracking in Illinois have their foundation on incidents that have occurred in other states. In Pennsylvania, for example, there have been reports of 243 water sources being contaminated during the fracking process. Seismic activity can also be an issue when it comes to fracking. Earthquakes are unpredictable and can cause significant damage, which could be even more dangerous if fracking were going on in the area.
Another state recently made the news due to the dangers associated with fracking. A natural gas well in Ohio suffered a blowout, leading to natural gas and methane spraying into the air. Approximately 400 families in that area were evacuated as a result of the fracking explosion. Reports indicate that repairs are being made to the well and investigators are looking into exactly why the explosion occurred.
This recent incident is not an isolated occurrence, unfortunately. In fact, it was at least the third in as many days stemming from fracking in Ohio. A worker suffered burn injuries when a fire broke out at a site where fracking was being conducted in the eastern part of the state. Additionally, a rupture damaged a pipeline conveying natural gas condensate, leading to fire spreading across multiple acres of the surrounding forest.
With all of these reports, it is little wonder that Illinois citizens are so concerned about the dangers related to fracking and potential fracking explosions. Gas pipeline explosions are a real and present danger even under the best of circumstances. Fortunately, personal injury and wrongful death laws provide a layer of protection for victims of fracking explosions who wish to take civil action. A personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit can result in financial restitution being awarded to those who are injured due to another party’s negligence. If you have been injured in a Missouri or Illinois fracking explosion, please call my St. Louis personal injury law firm by dialing 1-888-586-7041. This call will cost you nothing, as will an initial consultation to discuss your case. You will not owe us money until—and only if—we succeed at collecting monetary reimbursement on your behalf.
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