Giant sinkhole endangering West Texas oil lines
West Texas disappearing into a sinkhole? Well, there are those who might tell you that this would hardly pass as a crisis- indeed, it might qualify as beautification. Me? Well, since some of my readers are from west Texas, I'm keeping my own counsel on this one.
MIDLAND, Texas (AP) - A sinkhole that is destroying West Texas oil lines is already almost as far across as three football fields and it's growing.
Experts said the sinkhole, which has grown to 275 metres from about 40 metres when it formed in 2002, may be caused by salt removal. The collapse has destroyed crude oil flow lines in the Hendrick oil and gas field, which has produced 250 million barrels of oil since 1926. Geologists, petroleum company officials and government representatives met Wednesday to discuss the problem.
Some in the area, including independent producer John Bell, worry the sinkhole could ruin the freshwater supply for the Winkler County towns Kermit and Wink, west of Odessa.
Of course, if west Texas does disappear, I'm wondering how long it will be before anyone notices?
