Hydrofracking is a new development in extracting natural gas from dense shale. This process is economically efficient, but is supposedly environmentally unsafe. Let me explain how.

After companies have cut down miles of trees and shrubs on site, they set up their chemicals, equipment, and truck in the water.

Next, they drill down, then horizontally, for  8,000 feet in each direction.

During this process, 6-8 millon gallons of freshwater is used. Then, sand is used to hold open the holes so the gas can seep through the pores in the shale. The companies then use diesel fuel, biocides, benzene (an additive to gasoline and industrial solvent), and hydrochloric acid, in addition to undisclosed chemicals to make the process more timely and efficient.

It has also been a concern that the change in geology leads to an increased risk of seismic disruptions, such as earthquakes.

The biggest issue, perhaps, is that the identification of some chemicals are considered “property” of the companies. Residents of nearby towns are not aware of what they are being exposed to and it has left them feeling threatened and defeated. Additionally, the millions of gallons of chemically induced water left in the ground is not bio-degradable and it will linger long after our existence.

This video explains the effects of hydrofracking in New Jersey:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_8apSBNY1Y

(note: As a journalist she should not have given her opinion– but hey, it is youtube)

http://www.natlawreview.com/article/risks-hydrofracking

http://www.peacecouncil.net/NOON/hydrofrac/HdryoFrac2.htm