Why Do Houses Keep Exploding in One Pennsylvania Suburb?

An exploration of factors related to oil and gas activity that could contribute to the history of house explosions in Plum Borough, Pennsylvania.

Oil and Gas Activity Within California Public Health Protection Zones

Assessment shows hundreds of sensitive receptor sites located within 3,200 feet of operational oil and gas wells in California would have been protected if California Senate Bill 1137 had not been challenged by referendum.

Introducing Open-FF: Uncovering Fracking Chemicals

Open-FF is an open-source project that transforms the FracFocus data into an easier-to-use resource to help researchers, interested community members and activists find what they need about fracking chemicals.

Studies Reveal Health Impacts from Fracking in Pennsylvania

Studies in Pennsylvania find strong associations between hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) and health risks, including respiratory issues and increased risk of childhood cancer.

Off the Rails: An Exploration of the Train Derailment in East Palestine

FracTracker explores the environmental and community impacts of the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, in February 2023.

2022 Pipeline Incidents Update: Is Pipeline Safety Achievable?

This analysis provides a top-level summary of pipeline incidents reported to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and examines whether or not safe oversight of the industry is possible.

Assessment of Rework Permits on Oil Production from Operational Wells Within the 3,200-Foot Public Health Protection Zone

This analysis shows that the policy proposed in SB 1137 of denying rework permits within the health protection zones is a commonsense public health intervention that would have minimal effects on production within the protection zone.

CalGEM Permit Review Q4 2022: Oil Permit Approvals Show Steep Rise Within Protective Buffer Zones

During the fourth quarter of 2022, California regulator CalGEM issued oil and gas operators 222 new drilling permits, an increase of over 750% compared to the fourth quarter of 2021. Of those, nearly half (100; 47%) were for wells located within the 3,200’ public health setback zone.

Major Gas Leak Reveals Risks of Aging Gas Storage Wells in Pennsylvania

Following an enormous gas leak in Jackson Township, Cambria County Pennsylvania, we mapped oil and gas storage wells and fields throughout the state and found that the majority of Pennsylvania’s storage wells were drilled prior to 1979, making them most vulnerable to well failures.

FracTracker Receives Two Federal Grants to Support Community Air Monitoring Initiatives in the Ohio River Valley

We are pleased to announce that FracTracker Alliance has been selected for two EPA grants totaling $925,302 to support community air monitoring initiatives in the Ohio River Valley.