Wouldn't a leak be dangerous?

Even though I live in nearby West Mifflin, I have been watching the debate over potential gas well drilling in the city with an ear to what the fire chief should be, but is not, saying.

Natural gas from a wellhead is odorless and colorless. The smell, or mercaptan, is added to the gas later in the transmission process. A wellhead leak in a residential area could easily find many sources of ignition that would result in a disaster.

Use some common sense here ... just as it's illegal to burn leaves, why does filling our schools and homes with natural gas for the sake of profits make any better sense?

DAVE HROMANIK
West Mifflin