Sep 16, 2018 1 min read

The recent explosion of a natural gas pipeline in Beaver County is a major concern for those of us who work to protect the public’s health.

Our organization has extensively monitored emissions and studied distances between shale gas facilities and occupied buildings. We have concluded that this distance is not far enough to prevent a host of chronic diseases, let alone lethal harm from explosions and other accidents. We have recommended setting a minimum distance of 0.6 miles for shale gas wells, with that distance increasing to 1.25 miles for processing plants and compressor stations, or for schools, hospitals, nursing homes and other buildings housing vulnerable populations.

Now is the time to make our families and kids safer.

Jill Kriesky

Kriesky is associate director, Southwest Pennsylvania Environmental Health Project, McMurray.