Fracking Effects

The Effects of Fracking
What is Fracking? Fracking, also referred to as fracturing or drilling, is the process of drilling 5,000 to 20,000 feet into the earth and applying hydraulic pressure to the surrounding area until it cracks. The target area for oil and gas drilling companies is in the shale, a soft layer of sedimentary rock broken apart by using a mixture of 98% water and 2% chemicals. These chemicals range from household cleansers to toxic chemicals, and is added to nearly 4 million gallons of water per drilling well. By using this mixture and pressure the shale is cracked releasing gas and oil reserves trapped inside. Fracking has been proven to cause earthquakes, producing a high of 4 on the Richter scale, toxic water supply, and
Therefore, pollution by noise, water, and material will occur in the forest. All three of these pollutants will affect animals as well as humans and land. In order to drill, an area will first need to be clear cut for at least the size of the plant, therefore contributing to deforestation. Also, towns are not located in national forests, so unnatural roads must be made and traveled daily thus creating wear in the land. Tests performed by the Forest Service result in the death of over one half of the vegetation, two years after 75,000 gallons of hydraulic fracking fluid was sprayed across nearly an acre of land. Some people suggested that if the area sprayed was increased, then the damage done would be substantially less. The reasoning is that 75,000 gallons would have been spread lighter, however that is merely 1/50 the amount of fluid that could become hazardous from just a single well. Therefore, the affected area, holding the same ratio of the test, would be up to 50 acres of land, killing just over half the vegetation ("Protect Our Parks,
The debate and issues circling fracking is the use and management of toxic waste water. Accumulating to nearly 4 million gallons per drilling well, and what is left when they are finished? A toxic waste harmful to animals, humans, and the environment. Steps are currently being taken to reduce the waste effect such as; reusing it, leaving it in open air pits, or by drilling and storing it deep into the ground. While fracking companies say it is safe, most anti-fracking corporations see it is putting the waste back into the environment, as well as wasting water in an already severe drought. Due to fracking’s unsafe and wasteful water methods, it should not be allowed in community areas or in areas of vast wildlife and environment ("What is Fracking,