No Fines, No Follow-Up After Massive Explosion At Wyoming Natural Gas Plant

In 2014, a massive explosion tore through the Williams natural gas processing plant in Opal. It forced the evacuation of the southwestern Wyoming town and caused a spike in the price of natural gas. Wyoming’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration conducted an investigation in the aftermath and found a number of safety violations. But the agency never collected the corresponding fines and never released a final report about the investigation.

Industry Deals With Dangers Of Fracking Sand

In 2012 the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health identified fracking sand as a potential health risk for oil and gas workers. Silicosis is a disease that can develop as a result of exposure to silica in sand. Some oil and gas companies have developed procedures to deal with fracking sand that improves safety conditions for workers.