How Pipelines Pollute Water And What We Can Do

Oil and gas pipelines are a common method of transporting hazardous materials across the United States and the world. However, they pose a significant risk to the environment and human health, with the potential to cause water pollution, soil erosion, and even explosions. The construction and maintenance of pipelines can also result in the destruction of natural habitats and farmland, threatening the safety and well-being of nearby communities. With the adoption of renewable energy sources on the rise, there is a growing movement to challenge the corporate interests behind pipelines and transition away from fossil fuels.

Oil and gas pipelines

The risks of pipeline failures are heightened when they cross bodies of water, especially during heavy rain and floods. Notable examples of pipeline spills that have damaged river ecosystems and drinking water sources include those in the Yellowstone River, the Susquehanna River, and the Kalamazoo River. In addition, pipeline construction and maintenance can also contaminate water sources by removing topsoil, reducing crop yields, and destroying farmland. For instance, the Sabal Trail pipeline, which transports fracked gas from Alabama to Florida, has been accused of ruining more than 40 acres of topsoil and reducing crop yields by more than half.

The contamination of drinking water sources by oil and gas pipelines has serious consequences for human health and well-being. In Lancaster County, for instance, the Atlantic Sunrise pipeline harmed nearly 50 permanently preserved farms and contaminated streams with drilling fluid. Similarly, the Permian Highway project in Texas experienced an accident that spilled 36,000 gallons of drilling fluid, contaminating the groundwater that local families relied on for drinking water. Residents reported high levels of lead and other heavy metals in their water, posing significant health risks.

The Mariner East 2 pipeline, which stretches from Ohio to West Virginia through Pennsylvania, has also been responsible for numerous spills, releasing hundreds of thousands of gallons of drilling fluid into waterways and wetlands. These incidents highlight the immediate need to address the risks associated with oil and gas pipelines and to explore cleaner alternatives.

Furthermore, abandoned oil and gas pipelines left on the seafloor can continue to pollute our oceans and coastal areas. The federal government has allowed a significant number of decommissioned pipelines to remain in place, posing long-term risks to the health of our oceans. These pipelines can still contain oil or chemicals that can leak and spill into the surrounding waters, especially during hurricanes and other natural events. The presence of these pipelines also hinders coastal restoration efforts, such as rebuilding lost coastal land in Louisiana.

Pipeline spills and leaks

The consequences of pipeline spills can be severe and long-lasting. Oil spills, for example, can kill wildlife, poison the ground, and pollute water supplies. Crude oil, in particular, can persist in the environment for years, even after cleanup efforts. Natural gas leaks can be even more dangerous than oil spills as they can result in sudden explosions and fires, causing immense destruction to surrounding communities.

There have been numerous high-profile pipeline spills in recent years that have damaged river ecosystems and drinking water sources. For instance, the Yellowstone River, the Susquehanna River, and the Kalamazoo River have all been affected by pipeline spills. In one incident, a pipeline leak in California resulted in a narrow gash that allowed oil to spread to nearby beaches and water, killing seabirds and polluting the shore. Another notable example is the Permian Highway, a 430-mile Kinder Morgan project in Texas, where an accident led to the spill of approximately 36,000 gallons of drilling fluid, contaminating the groundwater used by local families as their sole source of drinking water.

The causes of pipeline spills and leaks can vary. Natural causes include age, corrosion, and natural force damage due to hurricanes and earthquakes. However, human factors such as shoddy workmanship, mismanagement, improper materials, equipment failure, excavation damage, and lack of maintenance can also contribute to pipeline failures. The cleanup of pipeline spills is often only partially successful, leaving tens of thousands of barrels of oil in the environment, further exacerbating the pollution and long-term damage.

Abandoned pipelines

In the Gulf of Mexico, it was reported that over 97% of decommissioned pipelines were left on the seafloor, amounting to 18,000 miles of abandoned oil and gas pipelines. This has resulted in concerns about potential leaks and spills, as well as the blockage of resources needed for coastal restoration projects. The federal government's lack of strict protocols to enforce the removal of defunct pipelines has been cited as a contributing factor.

The presence of toxic chemicals and heavy metals in abandoned pipelines further exacerbates the risk of water pollution. For example, methylmercury, a highly toxic form of mercury, has been found in pipelines in the North Sea, posing a threat to marine life and potentially entering the food chain. Additionally, natural radionuclides, such as dissolved radium, may build up inside subsea pipelines and subsequently be taken up by marine organisms, leading to potential radiological risks.

The impact of abandoned pipelines on the environment and local communities can be severe. Leaks and spills from abandoned pipelines can contaminate drinking water sources, harm wildlife, and destroy farmland and landscapes. The cleanup and mitigation efforts required to address these issues can be costly and time-consuming, often falling on the shoulders of private residents and landowners.

To address the issue of abandoned pipelines, stricter regulations and enforcement are needed to ensure proper decommissioning and removal. Responsible decommissioning can create jobs, support local economies, and allow the environment to recover. Additionally, a transition to clean and renewable energy sources can help reduce the reliance on pipelines and minimize the risk of water pollution.

Pipeline explosions

The dangers of pipeline explosions are not limited to the immediate impact but also include long-term consequences. For example, crude oil spills can persist in the environment for years, even after cleanup efforts. In addition, explosions can lead to immense fires and extensive destruction of surrounding communities. The aftermath of a pipeline explosion can result in reduced crop yields, soil contamination, and the loss of invaluable natural resources.

Several factors contribute to pipeline explosions. Natural causes, such as age, corrosion, and natural force damage from hurricanes or earthquakes, play a significant role. However, human errors, including shoddy workmanship, mismanagement, improper materials, equipment failure, and lax maintenance, are also prevalent. The combination of these factors results in a hazardous situation that can have devastating effects on both the environment and human life.

The United States' vast network of pipelines, totalling approximately 2.7 million miles, underscores the urgency of addressing this issue. These pipelines, often carrying oil, gas, and hazardous liquids, crisscross the country and pose safety risks, environmental damage, and property rights issues. The cleanup of pipeline spills is often only partially successful, leaving tens of thousands of barrels of oil or other substances in the environment, further exacerbating the problem.

To mitigate the risks of pipeline explosions, frequent monitoring and inspections are crucial. However, the current number of federal and state pipeline inspectors falls short of what is needed to adequately oversee the vast pipeline network. As a result, many pipeline operating companies set their own variable standards, which may not always prioritize safety and environmental protection.

Pipeline construction and maintenance

Planning and Design

Before construction begins, a comprehensive risk assessment should be conducted to identify potential hazards and develop strategies to mitigate them. This includes studying the local terrain, water bodies, ecosystems, and communities that may be impacted by the pipeline. The pipeline route should be carefully selected to avoid sensitive areas, such as protected lands, water sources, and communities as much as possible.

Construction Techniques

Pipelines should be constructed using high-quality materials and advanced construction techniques to ensure their structural integrity and minimise the risk of leaks and ruptures. This includes using corrosion-resistant materials, proper welding techniques, and robust monitoring systems to detect anomalies, such as "smart pigs" (intelligent inspection devices) for internal inspections.

Maintenance and Monitoring

Regular maintenance and monitoring are crucial to identify and address potential issues before they become more significant problems. This includes routine inspections, testing, and repairs to ensure the pipeline's integrity and prevent leaks. Maintenance procedures should be established and strictly followed to address issues like corrosion, equipment malfunction, and weld failures.

Emergency Preparedness and Response

Despite best efforts, accidents and leaks can still occur. It is essential to have comprehensive emergency response plans in place to minimise the impact on water sources and the surrounding environment. This includes training personnel in spill response techniques, having the necessary equipment readily available, and establishing clear communication protocols with local communities and authorities.

Community Engagement and Transparency

Open and transparent communication with communities along the pipeline route is essential. Pipeline companies should engage with local residents, address their concerns, and provide information about the pipeline's construction, maintenance, and potential risks. This can help build trust and ensure that residents are aware of their rights and how to respond in case of an emergency.

Environmental Impact Mitigation

In summary, pipeline construction and maintenance require a comprehensive approach that prioritises safety, environmental protection, and community engagement. By following best practices and regulations, the risk of water pollution can be significantly reduced, ensuring the protection of water sources for communities and ecosystems alike.

Frequently asked questions