Hydraulic fracturing, also known as “hydrofracking,” is a relatively new method of extracting natural gas from the earth. However, hydrofracking is detrimental for the environment and surrounding communities. Modern day Hydrofracking was first used in 1998, in Texas at the Barnett Shale. This newer method of fracking is known as “horizontal slickwater fracking.”
Hydrofracking is used to mine natural gases deep in the earth’s crust that are trapped by layers of rock. Horizontal slickwater fracking uses a horizontal mining system to tap into the natural gas reservoirs using a mixture of water and chemicals that are sent into the earth at such a great pressure that they literally fracture the rock. Even though fracking is a more economical way to mine these gases, many people worldwide oppose this method.
According to thinkbeforeyoufrack.org, the method of hydrofracking works like this, “During the drilling process, the drill will bore deep down into the earth and then horizontally for approximately 8,ooo feet in each direction. The Hydrofracking process uses a relatively substantial more amount of water compared to that used in conventional drilling, about 6-8 million gallons more, as well as a mixture of chemical additives that are pumped into the shale to fracture the rock and release the gas. Due to the ‘slick water’ mixture, there is a highly increased possibility for toxicity and long-term effects as well as environmental effects.”
The environment around fracking sites becomes severely damaged once drilling begins. Emissions of methane leaks have been reported around drill sites. Also, air quality can become worse with the amount of automobile and truck traffic to and from the well for the transportation of chemicals, fuel, etc. Water is greatly effected near fracking wells. Ground water contamination has been reported at sites, and this effects the drinking water that humans and even animals drink. In some areas, homeowners can even light their tap water on fire due to the high amounts of chemicals in it. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) did a study which was published in the New York Times, that exposure to such harsh chemicals and even radioactive substances within the communities where there are fracking wells, have led to an increase in seizures, cancer, low blood pressure and even death. It is evident that the damage caused by hydrofracking is serious.
Overall, even though hydrofracking is an economical way to mine natural gas, especially in the United States, there are a lot of problems with it that need to be remedied before it can be the ultimate method of natural gas mining. Once the environmental, health, and other issues are taken care of, hydrofracking could become a good and even safe way to mine for natural gases buried within the earth’s crust.
Sources:
http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2010/01/in_syracuse_dozens_rally_again.html
http://www.goclearwater.com/hydrofacturing.php
http://www.peacecouncil.net/NOON/hydrofrac/HdryoFrac2.htm