When Lightning Strikes

Having spent many summer days down at the Jersey Shore, the word saltwater conjures up images of the beach and the way an accidental gulp of ocean water tastes.  So, naturally, when the oil and gas landmen came into our communities talking about the saltwater, it sounded as benign as a day at the beach.  

What we learned later was horrifying.  This "produced water/saltwater/brine" as the industry calls it, is far from benign.  It is up to 30 times saltier than ocean water and contains toxic metals, chemicals, and radioactivity.  This by-product of oil and gas is stored in tanks next to our homes, schools, and businesses throughout North Texas.  

On July 7th lightning struck a North Dakota saltwater facility sending hot flames and thick, black plumes in the air.  According to an article in Fuel Fix dated July 8, 2014,  

"North Dakota and other oil producing states do not require companies to install lightning protection systems on their oil field facilities."   

Arlington, Texas does.  

In fact, as stated in the Fire Prevention Code, gas well operators are required to install lightning arrestor systems at their facilities on all gas well tanks and equipment:

We scrolled through inspection reports and found that Chesapeake FAILED ~ not only at the Fulson Site located in the Fish Creek Neighborhood ~ but at many gas drill sites throughout the City.

Since it's VERY tricky to find gas drilling information on the City's newly designed website, we've linked to Chesapeake's quarterly inspection reports for you.  Click here to see if your gas well site is in violation. 

Let's hope and pray they comply with the ordinance before the next storm.  I hear thunder as I write this post.

Click on Link Below to View Video: 

 Natural Gas Pad Struck by Lightning in Bradford County