Hydro-fracturing or fracking
Hydro-fracturing or fracking is a method for extracting oil and gas from the earth's surface by injecting pressurized fluid into bedrock formations. Its use in oil and gas production has raised several environmental and health concerns. However, despite the controversy, many people still support this process.
Oil and gas extraction process
Hydraulic fracturing for oil extraction uses a mixture of water, sand and other chemicals to break up shale rock. The fracturing fluid is composed of 90 percent water, less than 10 percent sand and other additives. The chemicals are added to the fluid to keep it lubricated and to prevent the formation of bacteria. Some chemicals are also added to increase the fluid's effectiveness. The mixture is pumped into the rock formation by a perforating gun, creating fractures where the natural gas and oil are located.
The chemical compounds used in hydraulic fracturing fluids
The chemical compounds used in hydraulic fracturing fluids are highly toxic to humans and wildlife. Some are known to cause cancer. The list of these potentially hazardous substances includes petroleum distillates, such as benzene, toluene, xylene, and naphthalene, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Other potential pollutants include formaldehyde, methanol, and glycol ethers.
Hydraulic fracturing for oil or gas extraction
Hydraulic fracturing for oil or gas extraction uses a mixture of chemicals and proppants to create cracks in the rock formation. The fluid then flows into the wellbore and triggers the flow of gas and oil. Often, the well is hundreds or thousands of feet deep.
Water consumption
Hydraulic fracturing water consumption is a relatively small percentage of total water consumption for oil and gas operations. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, one gallon of water contains roughly 15,140 drops, making the amount of water used for hydraulic fracturing less than one percent of Colorado's total water consumption. Even though the number of drops is relatively small, it is still a significant quantity.
Environmental impact
As an industry, hydraulic fracturing has a significant environmental impact. It consumes more water than our water systems can sustain. Although hydraulic fracturing uses a very small percentage of water, it represents a significant increase in the use of other sources of water. These sources of water include recycled flowback water and saline groundwater from water source wells. Besides using water from our rivers and streams, hydraulic fracturing contaminates groundwater and drinking water. According to a recent study by the Bureau of Economic Geology at the University of Texas, only about a fifth of the water used for hydraulic fracturing is recycled as brackish water. The remainder is discarded and released back into rivers and streams. These factors contribute to a significant increase in water pollution.
Induced earthquakes
Despite a large number of reports, it is unclear whether hydraulic fracturing causes earthquakes. The process involves injecting briny wastewater into a well, which has a measurable risk of triggering an earthquake. While such events are relatively rare in North America, there is a recent increase in quakes associated with these operations. Many of these earthquakes were minor, and no damage or injury was reported. One recent study suggests that the practice of hydraulic fracturing can lead to earthquakes. Researchers studied quakes that occurred in Alberta and British Columbia to see how they were induced. They found that the majority of the earthquakes took place in an area 150 kilometers wide east of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The study also found that deformation rates are much lower in areas farther east. Although the Oklahoma Geological Survey has ruled out that fracking is the cause of an earthquake, attorneys for oil and gas companies have argued that the practice causes earthquakes. While the Oklahoma earthquake centered near Pawnee was minor, there were no reports of serious injuries. The Oklahoma Geological Survey director Jeremy Boak explained that the water used for fracking was not the source of the earthquakes. However, such claims are unsupported by evidence, and plaintiffs need to prove their claims. Energy companies will likely hire experts to refute any claims.
Environmental impact
The environmental impact of hydraulic fracturing is a complex issue, and there are many factors that affect it. There are a variety of federal and state regulations related to this industry. For instance, federal legislation delegated the regulatory authority for hydraulic fracturing to states, and the Department of Interior regulates this activity on Indian lands. In addition, many states have adopted their own regulations to address the issue of hydraulic fracturing. For instance, many states have mandated that companies disclose the chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing. However, the EPA's study, meanwhile, failed to address these concerns. Also, the study's scope was limited to focus solely on hydraulic fracturing, ignoring the impact of spills, disposal, and other environmental concerns. In addition, the study was completed before the industry began receiving public complaints about contamination.
Conclusion
Hydraulic fracturing is widely used in the US to increase oil and gas production. It has boosted the supply of natural gas and oil in the US and has contributed to lower energy prices worldwide. However, there is significant controversy over the environmental impact of this process. Many citizens and environmental organizations have raised concerns over the process.
