Land-based oil rigs present a host of different dangers to residents and the environment.
Numerous studies and articles have been conducted on the dangers of drilling for oil on land. These onshore drilling procedures present problems to local residents, wildlife and the environment. The exploration and site selection also play a part in the dangers present by land-based oil rigs. The biggest discussions about drilling for oil on land are the risks worth the rewards or benefits from oil drilling production.
Exploration
Oil drilling begins by exploring a specific part of landmass. Exploration involves use of seismic testing to map and record possible underground oil reserves. Seismic testing requires a minimum of 3 acres to perform a proper survey. Oil companies destroy the natural habitat of wildlife by clearing the 3 acres required. Roads and survey buildings are built on these sites, which causes the soil to erode and prevents plants from growing in the survey area after the seismic tests are performed.
Environmental
The environment is affected by drilling for oil on land.
Other dangers from drilling for oil on land are the environmental impacts the oil rig presents. Once oil rigs are placed and drilling begins, water surfaces with the oil. The water contains toxins which are generally dumped out into the soil. The toxic water can also drain into the water supply that runs into treatment plants providing water to cities, town and local residents. Until the toxic water can be disposed of properly, these dangers will continue to effect the environment.
Spills
Approximately 300 to 500 oil spills occur each year within the United States.
One of the biggest dangers of drilling oil rigs on land are the many oil spills that are recorded each year. Anywhere from 300 to 500 oil spills occur every year in the United States. Most of these oil spills occur when barrels of oil are being transported, but many oil spills occur at the drilling site. Once oil reaches water, it spreads quickly. Cleaning up the oil can take years. The number of spills increase when oil production increases.
Fire Hazards
Fire hazards at a landbased oil rigs endanger oil rig workers and local residents.
The dangers of oil rigs on land also concern the workers residing at the drill site. Oil explosions and subsequent fires present major hazards to the employees. A variety of machines are used to drill for oil. All of these machines require power supplied by either electricity or gas-operated generators. Any time combustible materials come in close contact with each other, the possibility of fire and explosion rises dramatically. Oil rig fires can also spread to surrounding forests, creating a major forest fire, damaging the environment and residential areas. Emergency responders are also put at risk fighting fires created by oil rig accidents.
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