2 ms·
I don't think that that's a given. The damage that was done was the result of a massive amount of energy being directed into disintegrating the concrete pad. An
by bandyaboot 3y ago
I don't think that that's a given. The damage that was done was the result of a massive amount of energy being directed into disintegrating the concrete pad. An uncontrolled explosion would have spread that out in all directions more or less. I think it's clear the result would have been far different, though I can't pretend to be an expert on whether it would have led to more or less environmental damage.
- bryanlarsen 3y agoYou're right. An explosion could result in about 100X as much energy, but that would require thorough mixing of the methane and oxygen, which is unlikely to occur. However, the point is that the theoretical worst case scenario in the environmental assessment was a lot worse than what did occur, and that worst case scenario was deemed an acceptable risk.