What is hydraulic fracturing? Hydraulic fracturing, also called hydro fracking, is a process used to maximize the extraction of underground resources, which includes, oil, natural gas, geothermal energy, and water. Most of the oil and gas industry uses this method, the hydraulic fracturing, to allow oil or natural gas to move more freely from the rock pores so that it can bring the oil or gas to the surface. Why this technology is used by many oil and gas industry? Well, this method can help us decrease our reliance on foreign fuel imports and increases the use of our resources by not wasting it. Also, this can help reduce the national carbon dioxide emissions and turn the environment into a carbon light environment.
However, as being said, there will be concerns for the environment when using hydraulic fracturing. First, “the fractures in the well might extend directly into shallow rock units that are used for drinking water supplies”. Second, “the casing of a well might fail and allow fluids to escape into shallow rocks that are used for drinking water supplies”. Last but not least, “accidental spills of hydraulic fracturing fluid might seep into the ground or contaminate surface water”. Well as being said, the concerns that hydraulic fracturing causes will harm the health of human beings and any other living things. Therefore, for some people, the process might be a “money tree” for them, but for some other people, the hydraulic fracturing might be a “poisonous pill” for them.
References:
http://geology.com/articles/hydraulic-fracturing/
http://water.epa.gov/type/groundwater/uic/class2/hydraulicfracturing/wells_hydrowhat.cfm
http://www.hydraulicfracturing.com/Pages/information.aspx
http://www.api.org/policy-and-issues/policy-items/hf/facts-about-hydraulic-fracturing-and-seismic-activity.aspx
http://iehn.org/overview.naturalgashydraulicfracturing.php