The MarkWest Pipeline Fluid Loss
Dec 17, 2025
A Quiet Contamination
While the surface of Mount Pleasant Township remained calm this December, a massive and silent environmental struggle was unfolding beneath the earth. Between December 19 and 22, 2025, the construction of the shale gas-related Chiarelli to Imperial pipeline took a damaging turn, pumping tens of thousands of gallons of industrial fluids into the forgotten voids of the earth.
The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) was notified that horizontal drilling operations had resulted in significant "losses of circulation"—a technical term that masks a stark reality: 45,000 gallons of drilling fluid vanished into abandoned coal mine voids in just a few days.
The Cumulative Toll
This was not an isolated event. It was the latest in a worrying sequence of failures. Since the project began, MarkWest has reported at least 10 incidents, bringing the total volume of lost fluid to a staggering 521,600 gallons since October 27.
The specifics of the recent days are troubling:
On December 19, an incident swallowed 16,000 gallons of fluid.
On December 22, the situation escalated. A loss of 20,000 gallons occurred at 11:30 AM. Despite this warning sign, drilling continued, resulting in another 9,000 gallons being lost to the subterranean depths.
Into the Voids
Although a December 22 inspection reportedly found no surface returns along the pipeline path, the sheer volume of fluid injected into the mine voids raises profound questions about long-term groundwater safety and structural stability. The DEP's Oil and Gas Program, alongside the Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation, has begun taking water samples along the drilling route, searching for the invisible footprint of this contamination.
A Call for Accountability
At EntirelySAFE, we highlight these incidents to remind the industry that what happens underground does not stay there forever. The decision to continue drilling after a massive fluid loss speaks to a culture that may prioritize speed over environmental integrity.
We stand with the residents of Washington County and call for:
Immediate suspension of drilling when fluid loss is detected.
Transparent mapping of abandoned mine interactions.
Strict accountability for cumulative environmental impact.
The earth beneath our feet is not a disposal site; it is the foundation of our communities. We must protect it with the same vigor with which we extract its resources.
EntirelySAFE Supports Voices & Safety at Work
In the aftermath of such a heartbreaking incident, workers, families and safety professionals often find themselves wrestling with questions, concerns and the need to speak up. That's where EntirelySAFE can be a meaningful resource.
1. A Platform for Raising Concerns Confidentially
EntirelySAFE provides secure channels for employees to voice safety concerns they might otherwise be afraid to raise.
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By collecting concerns and observations in one place, EntirelySAFE helps safety leaders identify patterns or recurring risks that might otherwise go unnoticed.
3. Support for Safety Professionals and Families
EntirelySAFE isn't just for workers. Safety professionals can use it to track the effectiveness of interventions.
4. Encouraging a Culture of Accountability and Care
The worst outcome in any workplace is the loss of life. EntirelySAFE's tools push organizations toward proactive safety cultures.
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