More on Aledo Injection/Disposal Well

This from earlier in the week:

Injection Well Near Homes Cited Again

The leak was caused from an open valve that no one seems to remember opening or knows why or how long it was left open. Nice to know this company has such a high level of responsibility.

CES Salt Water Disposal of Gainesville was cited this month after a Railroad Commission inspection showed an open bradenhead valve. It allows an operator to monitor pressure between the surface and production casing of the disposal well and to detect any leaks.

According to the Star-Telegram article, the disposal well is very close to homes that depend on private water wells.

Ken Hall, an independent geologist who owns several small oil companies, said it is important to know why the valve was open.

Hall said there should not be pressure on the bradenhead, because that puts pressure on the pipe in the disposal well that protects the aquifer.

“The bradenhead consists of a valve and a gauge. The gauge ensures there is no pressure. Damage occurs when there is pressure. If the valve is open, there is not going to be any pressure.  . . .  The question is, Did the valve open automatically because there was pressure, or was it opened to relieve pressure?”

Kathy Chruscielski, who formed a group to monitor gas drilling in Parker County, said the well should never have been allowed so close to schools and homes.

“The potential consequences for people living so close to that well with private water wells are enormous. So far, nothing has happened.”

Since saltwater injection/disposal wells seem to be a frequent cause of water contamination and sinkholes, it doesn’t seem prudent to place them next to aquifers or homes or anything you don’t what to possibly fall into a very deep hole.

Tell me again how natural gas is such a “clean energy.”