The following news article from the Associated Press describes another example of fossil fuel pipes which leak. Last December another leak began in Cook Inlet and has only recently been stopped, reports Hillcorp Alaska.
These examples show again and again that oil companies cannot safely transport their product through pipelines. Yet Sabal Trail was allowed to place theirs close to schools, hospitals and housing developments.
These leaks are unnecessary and inexcusable. We have the technology to provide sustainable energy which is safe and reliable, but not the backbone to employ it.
Our federal and state governments drag their feet and our politicians take the money from the oil lobbyists while human flesh, wildlife and the environment pay the price.
Comments by OSFR historian Jim Tatum.
-A river is like a life: once taken, it cannot be brought back-
Alaska oil well leaking gas in northern part of state
The Environmental Protection Agency said a crack in a BP wellhead near Deadhorse sent up mist of crude oil on Friday before it froze over and an initial leak stopped.
BP spokesman Brett Clanton said that “based on an overflight with infrared cameras, the release appears to be contained to the gravel pad surrounding the wellhead and has not reached the tundra.”
Clanton said BP is focused on safely securing the well.
However, agency spokeswoman Suzanne Skadowski said a second crack was discovered that’s releasing flammable, explosive gas.
It’s unclear how much has vented, but nearby workers have been evacuated and native Alaskan villages dozens of miles away have been notified.
No injuries have been reported.
There were no reports of damage to wildlife.
The agency said the initial oil release may have affected an area of about one-and-a-half acres.
Skadowski said the EPA, state and BP hoped to shut down the well on Saturday.
