The pipeline that blew up in Westmoreland County about two weeks ago had been upgraded in November of 2014, adding compression that made the gas flow faster.  It had previously been operating at 700,000 MCF per day, and bumped up to 1.3 million MCF per day.  It’s possible (though not yet proven) that the higher flow rate could have contributed to the corrosion that appears to have caused the failure of the pipe.

We’re fans of adding pipelines in West Virginia, as our clients (mineral and royalty owners) will benefit from the better gas prices that will result.  However, it’s important to point out that there are dangers and risks that come with these pipelines.  You have to go into this kind of thing with both eyes open, doing research and getting advice from competent professionals.

If you have a company approach you about a pipeline easement, take the time to read the agreement carefully, ask questions, and make absolutely sure to get some advice from people who know what they’re doing.  We have the education and experience to help you out.  Give us a call at 304-473-1403.

Photo from Marcellus Drilling News.

A burned out house is surrounded by charred ground and trees following a natural gas explosion at a pipeline complex on Friday, April 29, 2016, in Salem Township, Pa. The explosion caused flames to shoot above nearby treetops in the largely rural area, about 30 miles east of Pittsburgh, and prompted authorities to evacuate businesses nearby. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette ran an excellent article about the Texas Eastern pipeline that blew up one week ago today.  It says that corrosion has been found on two welds near the explosion.  It also says that while corrosion has been found, that isn’t necessarily the reason for the explosion, and that the investigation (which could take years) could determine that there was some other cause for the explosion.

It also goes into some detail about “incidents” on the Texas Eastern pipeline.  Over the 30 year life of the pipeline there have been 62 incidents, ranging from the discovery of leaks to barges and airplanes hitting the pipeline.  Accidents happen, eh?

It’s very interesting that there are two “incidents” per year on the pipeline.  That just underlines the importance of going into a pipeline negotiation with your eyes wide open.  Understand that while the money can be good, there is some risk involved.  The likelihood of an “incident” that will affect you, your loved ones, or your property is low, but if an “incident” happens it’s likely to be life altering.

A 30-inch gas pipeline exploded in Westmoreland County, PA on Friday.  We’ve been a bit busy around here, so we haven’t been keeping up with the news.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has some good pictures and interviews.  It’s really scary to think what one of these pipelines does when it explodes.  I’ll have one about 200 yards or so from my house in about two years, and I’ll be preparing an escape plan.

The Fire Chief said he parked 1/4 mile away and he couldn’t get out of his truck because of the heat.

We’re big fans of having the pipelines built, as we really need them for continued development in this area.  We also have to be careful about them.  They don’t fail often, but when they do fail it’s spectacular and extremely dangerous.  We have to be prepared, and we have to make sure the companies are doing their work correctly.