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Frequency Analysis of Failure Scenarios from Shale Gas Development

Author

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  • Noura Abualfaraj

    (Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA)

  • Patrick L. Gurian

    (Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA)

  • Mira S. Olson

    (Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA)

Abstract

This study identified and prioritized potential failure scenarios for natural gas drilling operations through an elicitation of people who work in the industry. A list of twelve failure scenarios of concern was developed focusing on specific events that may occur during the shale gas extraction process involving an operational failure or a violation of regulations. Participants prioritized the twelve scenarios based on their potential impact on the health and welfare of the general public, potential impact on worker safety, how well safety guidelines protect against their occurrence, and how frequently they occur. Illegal dumping of flowback water, while rated as the least frequently occurring scenario, was considered the scenario least protected by safety controls and the one of most concern to the general public. In terms of worker safety, the highest concern came from improper or inadequate use of personal protective equipment (PPE). While safety guidelines appear to be highly protective regarding PPE usage, inadequate PPE is the most directly witnessed failure scenario. Spills of flowback water due to equipment failure are of concern both with regards to the welfare of the general public and worker safety as they occur more frequently than any other scenario examined in this study.

Suggested Citation

  • Noura Abualfaraj & Patrick L. Gurian & Mira S. Olson, 2018. "Frequency Analysis of Failure Scenarios from Shale Gas Development," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-13, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:5:p:885-:d:143818
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Daniel J. Rozell & Sheldon J. Reaven, 2012. "Water Pollution Risk Associated with Natural Gas Extraction from the Marcellus Shale," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 32(8), pages 1382-1393, August.
    2. Pouné Saberi & Kathleen Joy Propert & Martha Powers & Edward Emmett & Judith Green-McKenzie, 2014. "Field Survey of Health Perception and Complaints of Pennsylvania Residents in the Marcellus Shale Region," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-11, June.
    3. Rahm, Brian G. & Vedachalam, Sridhar & Bertoia, Lara R. & Mehta, Dhaval & Vanka, Veeravenkata Sandeep & Riha, Susan J., 2015. "Shale gas operator violations in the Marcellus and what they tell us about water resource risks," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 82(C), pages 1-11.
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    1. Noura Abualfaraj & Patrick L. Gurian & Mira S. Olson, 2018. "Assessing Residential Exposure Risk from Spills of Flowback Water from Marcellus Shale Hydraulic Fracturing Activity," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-25, April.

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