I read the article (July 4, “Capping methane-spewing oil wells, one at a time”) by Nick Ehli of The Washington Post.

It is about Curtis Shuck, a former oil and gas executive, who had an epiphany and is now capping abandoned methane-leaking wells in Montana. This is also a problem in Pennsylvania.

Methane is an explosive, potent, greenhouse gas that is dangerous for people living close by. However, the stench noted in the article is likely from the very toxic hydrogen sulfide that can be present in oil and gas deposits. Methane is odorless.

The American Petroleum Institute even warns of the dangers of hydrogen sulfide and the need to protect the workers in the oil and gas industry and the general public.

The Allegheny County borough of Versailles has a problem with hydrogen sulfide leaking out of a few of its abandoned gas wells.

Communities such as Penn Township, Plum, Murrysville and others need to consider methane leaks, possible toxic hydrogen sulfide and well abandonment when reviewing well permits. The recommendation of a 2,500-foot setback from homes for new unconventional oil and gas wells found in the June 2020 report of the Pennsylvania attorney general should be made law.

LARRY IRR
Trafford

First Published: July 25, 2021, 4:00 a.m.