Hydro-fracking is a highly debated drilling practice used to extract natural gases from dense shale. Created by Halliburton Inc.,Schlumberger Inc., and Messina Inc., it is the most economically efficient method known today. Like anything involving the use of fossil fuels, however, there is much debate as to whether it is a method that should be used on a large scale.  In theory hydro-fracking is the perfect solution. It is energy and economically efficient. In addition, it give us access to the nearly 500 trillion cubic feet of natural gas (equivalent of 80 billion barrels of oil) located in the Marcellus basin deposit. This deposit is approximately 48,000 square miles in area and stretches from eastern Ohio to the Catskills and south through northern and western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. (peacecouncil ) The issue however is that chemicals are added to the almost 8 million gallons of water used per fracking in order to force out the natural gas. As the process requires drilling a well that crosses the natural aquifer (water reservoir located about layer of shale)  the high risk of water contamination becomes more of a reality. Today legislators are debating the best way to go about the process. Hydrofracing may seem like a good option for natural gas extraction but when it comes to drinking water, I can do without the chemicals. Not to mention the side effects on the environment such as deforestation, radioactive waste in the ground and air emissions continue to destroy our planet.

http://www2.epa.gov/hydraulicfracturing

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/03/nyregion/hydrofracking-safe-says-ny-health-dept-analysis.html?_r=0

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