Perspective on pipeline

Following reports of an inadvertent release of bentonite clay during the drilling of the Mariner East pipeline, residents, lawmakers, and government regulators could use some perspective on the issue.

Release of non-toxic bentonite is nothing alarming, or even unusual, in infrastructure construction – in this case pipelines. One reason bentonite is used is because it is safe and nontoxic so that when there are discharges, there is no longterm impact to the environment.

I’ve spent more than three decades in the water resources industry. The Mariner East pipeline is being constructed using universally accepted industry standard best practices, such as horizontal direction drilling (HDD). HDD is a safe, standard drilling technique that results in less physical disruption than trench digging.

The most common method to install pipelines is trenching to the desired depth. Horizontal drilling is utilized commonly in congested areas, water crossings, road crossings, and environmentally sensitive areas. Horizontal directional drilling allows crews to install pipelines and minimize surface disturbances.

The technique also allows crews to bury pipelines more deeply beneath the surface, keeping them farther out of reach of future construction crews or other potential disturbances.

To stabilize the hole, lubricate the drill, and remove debris, a mixture of bentonite clay and water is used during the drilling process. Bentonite clay is the chosen lubricant because it is a naturally occurring, non-toxic substance of just the right consistency. Instead of oil or a synthetic lubricant, crews can use all natural materials – clay and water – which have the approval of experts and government regulators.

So when you read of a bentonite clay leak, there is no cause for panic. It’s literally naturally occurring clay and water.

The leaks, called “inadvertent releases” in industry terms, are far from alarming. When obtaining government permits, companies undertaking horizontal drilling projects note the possibility that some bentonite clay will leak into cavities and crevices underneath the surface. Regulators approve these plans, as they did for Mariner East, with the understanding that such releases are very real possibilities, as with any type of construction project.

Some news reports describe the release of bentonite clay in a way that makes people think of oil spills, likely because much of the general public is, understandably, not deeply educated about common construction practice. An inadvertent release of bentonite occurs when the pumped clay gets into a fissure underground. The pressure pushes it out and sometimes the fissure leads to the surface or to a body of water just like any other liquid in the ground.

Again, bentonite is a natural, non-toxic clay. It is not a poison. Its release does not contaminate water or soil the way a toxic substance would. Bentonite is even sold as a natural, organic detoxification agent for use on the skin. You can buy it in your local health food store or order it on Amazon.

In my experience, the key to quickly resolving the issues that arise from an inadvertent release is for businesses and regulators to work together to enact mitigation plans, execute cleanup operations, and resolve issues such as the ones here relating to well water. Taking action quickly is the most important priority, and cooperation enhances the speed with which companies can respond.

Some have suggested that the inadvertent release of bentonite clay justifies stopping construction of the Mariner East pipeline. That is an overreaction. It also would be counterproductive. Once built, the pipeline will deliver energy products much more safely than could be delivered otherwise by truck or rail. Pipelines are much safer for the environment and our communities.

The pipeline should continue. Releases of bentonite clay are not major environmental threats and every pipeline company has plans for taking care of them as part of the construction process. The builder of the Mariner East pipeline has been found to meet and exceed federal safety guidelines and has handled this release responsibly, for which it should be commended.