Little Rock Oil & Gas Contamination Lawyer

The oil and gas industry manages various operations, from gathering natural gas to the transmission and distribution of pipelines. Because of these risks, federal and state regulations are in place to protect people and the planet.

Environmental Oversight in Arkansas

Multiple agencies in Arkansas oversee environmental policies and regulations. The Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission is responsible for preventing waste, encouraging conversation, and protecting the rights of ownership associated with the production of oil, natural gas, brine, and associated products. On the other hand, the State of Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality protects against threats to the state’s natural resources, like the air, water, and land, and it protects these resources from the dangers of pollution.

The Threat of Oil & Gas Pollution in Arkansas

Even with the existence of these agencies, the threat of oil and gas pollution still exists. When accidents occur involving oil and gas pollution, the consequences can be devastating or even deadly. If you’re a victim of this type of pollution, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the negligent party. To do so, you can speak to the Little Rock oil & gas contamination lawyers from McMath Woods. To help you understand a bit about oil and gas pollution and contamination, keep reading.

Why Does Oil and Gas Contamination Happen?

Environmental damage is almost always caused by human error. Here are some of the most common causes of oil and gas pollution:

Improper storage or transport of hazardous waste or materials
Inadequate oilfield cleanup
Illegally dumping toxic waste
Inadequate site inspections
Leaking pipelines
Improperly testing drilling sites
Incorrectly lining oilfield pits and ponds

While guidelines exist to avoid these situations, companies sometimes take shortcuts to raise their profit margins. When these incidents occur, the effects can be detrimental in various areas.

What Types of Pollution Result from Oil and Gas Industry Accidents?

Oil and gas pollution can negatively impact humans and wildlife in a variety of ways. The consequences can be related back to three areas: air, water, and land.

Water Pollution

Water pollution is imminent in the event of an oil spill. When tankers experience accidents on the water, millions of gallons of oil can be released into our oceans and other bodies of water. Plant, animal, and aquatic habitats face severe consequences when these spills occur. Natural gas development can also pollute drinking water during drilling, fracking (hydraulic fracturing), refining, or wastewater disposal. In a leak, methane and other dangerous compounds can seep into groundwater.

Land Pollution

Oil spills can occur on land due to pipeline leaks, train accidents, drilling accidents, improper oil storage, etc. Inland oil spills prevent soil from absorbing water, permanently changing the area’s geology.

In addition to the changes to the land, individuals in these areas may suffer from the depreciation of their homes’ values after an accident involving gas or oil pollution.

Air Pollution

When oil and natural gasses are burned, the air becomes polluted. Specific air pollutants include volatile organic compounds, hydrogen sulfide, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

In the development of oil and gas, air pollution can be emitted during the following stages:

When condensate tanks store hydrocarbons that change from gas to liquid.
When engines are used during drilling, trucking, and oil rig work, and release exhaust emissions into the air.
When methane gas leaks occur from improperly secured equipment.
When pits store water and wastewater, which flows back after extracting the gas.

What Injuries and Illnesses are Associated with Gas and Oil Pollution?

While the habitats of plants and animals are often directly and quickly affected by gas and oil pollution, residents nearby also face severe risks when dealing with contamination in their soil and water.

Some of the most common injuries and illnesses associated with gas and oil pollution are:

Cancer
Asthma and other breathing conditions
Skin conditions
Fertility issues
Neurological problems
Brain damage

While local residents are likely to be impacted by gas or oil pollution, the individuals employed by the gas and oil companies are also at risk for the above adverse conditions.

What Can a Little Rock Oil & Gas Contamination Lawyer Do?

Oil and gas pollution can cause the wrongful and unnecessary suffering of families and entire communities because of the associated risks and illnesses. Our oil and gas pollution lawyers at McMath Woods have decades of experience with environmental litigation and are prepared to fight for you. Battling gas and oil companies can be brutal, but we’re experienced and ready to do whatever it takes. Our firm has taken on the most powerful corporate industries and prevailed. Our approach is to take on a limited number of cases, allowing us to devote all the time, focus, and resources necessary to craft a compelling claim or lawsuit with personalized counsel. Contact us today.