The Earth is full of natural resources such as gases, oils and metals. Since the Industrial Revolution ushered in the development of the world we know it, human demand for energy and power has intensified. Only in recent decades have we realized that many of our processes for obtaining energy are not sustainable and have a negative impact on our environment. One damaging practice is hydraulic fracking or fracturing. It is the process of drilling and injecting fluid into the ground at very high pressures in order to break up shale rocks to release natural gas inside.
This natural gas is a prime source of energy and the US has a huge demand for it. This demand is met through fracking, which comes at a high cost. Each day 300,000 barrels of natural gas are produced per day. In each fracturing job, up to eight million gallons of water are used and 600 chemicals such as mercury, uranium and formaldehyde are released into the environment. Some of the chemicals are known carcinogens and toxins, impacting the people involved in the process and the environment. This chemical infused fluid is pressure injected 10,000 feet into the Earth through a drilled pipeline, where it causes the shale rocks to crack and releases natural gas into the well. Since the fluid is pushed so deep beneath the Earth, methane gas and other chemicals contaminate groundwater. Despite these outcomes, it is standard practice to leave up to 50% of fracturing fluid in the ground, some studies estimate up to 90% of the fluid being left in the ground. When it is recovered it is often disposed of incorrectly rather than treated as toxic waster. This releases harmful chemicals into the atmosphere, contaminating air and creating acid rain.
The profits of hydraulic fracking are substantial, yet the environmental and human costs are steep. The amount of water consumed in the process of fracking is not sustainable and it is estimated that the industry uses up to 140 billion gallons of water. This is enough water in a year for 2,500,000 people to consume. The transportation of this water releases greenhouse gases since thousands of trucks are required for multiple trips back and forth from fracturing sites. There has also been evidence that suggests fracking causes increased seismic activity because unknown faults are caused by the drilling and chemical formations deep beneath the Earth. Not only is the environment being damages beyond repair, but the process is altered the Earth, resulting in more seismic activity.
Concentrations of methane near fracturing sites are 17 times higher than normal wells. There have been over 1,000 cases in the US of contamination of water resulting in numerous medical cases that impact sensory-motor, respiratory, and neurological systems of the human body.
There are shockingly high rates of skin, eye and sensory organs, respiratory, and gastrointestinal problems highlighting the dangers that these pose when the population is exposed to such chemicals. Those who work directly with such chemicals in the process of fracking, like workers, spill responders or health care professionals are especially at risk. The long term effects of exposure can be very dramatic. Those who live near fracking sites are also particularly vulnerable due to the frequent water contamination, air contamination from vapors, and likelihood of improper disposal of the waste. Those who live near these sites also tend to be poor groups, with low access to health care and less political protection than wealthier groups. The long term public health implications should be enough to decrease fracking or raise awareness of its implications. However powerful lobby groups fight to continue the process of fracking and push back against allegations of the damages caused by chemicals used. Much like DuPont, who downplayed the negative impact that these practices have on the environment. Perhaps in the future, practices will change and reparations will be sought by those whose lives have been impacted by fracking. I am doubtful that this will happen any time soon just as it took DuPont nearly half a century to admit wrongdoing. The overall cost of fracking greatly outweigh, the benefits. However, modern society demands energy sources at increasing amounts. As more parts of the world industrialize, this demand grows and costs increase.
Sources
http://www.dangersoffracking.com/
http://www.earthworksaction.org/issues/detail/hydraulic_fracturing_101
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydraulic_fracturing