Hydraulic Fracking Research Paper
Discussion on the Ethical Implications of Hydraulic Fracturing by: Sebastian Potes 7/16/13
!
Abstract As concern grows over the environmental impact of hydraulic fracturing, implementing policy that protects people and their environment from these potential dangers becomes an essential piece of the renewable energy picture. Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is the technique of extracting oil and natural gas trapped under ground by injecting a mixture of water, sand, and chemicals into the earth with enough pressure to fracture the rock-bed, and allow the oil and gas to be collected [1]. Natural gas is the cleanest burning hydrocarbon and will play an integral role in the future as we transition to renewable energy sources [2]. Despite …show more content…
If hydraulic fracturing is here to stay, as it appears it will be, policy must be put in place to ensure the potential damage to local communities is minimized. Furthermore, regulation should enforce fracking companies to be more transparent and forthcoming about their practices.
In this discussion, we will first describe the process of fracking. This description focuses on the initial fracturing stage, the life span of a fracked well, and the process of abandoning a fractured well that is no longer producing. Next we discuss the rise of fracking. We present here a history of its development, which starts in the 19th century. The most important aspect of its development has been the last decade, which has seen an exponential growth of the fracking industry. We then discuss the why behind its boom. The main reason being that the industry is extremely profitable, coupled with the governments push for domestic energy production, which would reduce our dependence on foreign oil. We also describe the dangers behind hydraulic fracturing, and the controversy that surrounds it. We conclude with a solution to mitigate the dangers posed by hydraulic fracturing.
The Fracking …show more content…
Joseph D. Ayotte et al. (August 2011). "Trace Elements and Radon in Groundwater Across the United States, 1992-2003". U.S. Geological Survey. Retrieved 25 May 2012.
23. Fox, Josh. (filmmaker). (2010). Gasland [Documentary]. United States: New Video Group.
24. Retrieved from website: http://stateimpact.npr.org/texas/tag/earthquake/
"Ohio Quakes Probably Triggered by Waste Disposal Well, Say Seismologists". LamontDoherty Earth Observatory Institute, Columbia University. 6 January 2012. Retrieved 22
February 2012.
25. University of Texas, Study finds correlation between injection wells and small earthquakes, 6
Aug. 2011. From: http://www.utexas.edu/news/2012/08/06/correlation-injection-wells! small-earthquakes/ 26. Jeff McMahon (10 April 2011). "EPA: New Radiation Highs in Little Rock Milk,
Philadelphia Drinking Water". Forbes. Retrieved 22 February 2012
27. Sandy Bauers (21 July 2011). "Cancer patients’ urine suspected in Wissahickon iodine-131 levels". Philadelphia inquirer, Carbon County Groundwater Guardians. Retrieved 25
February 2012
28. Cupas, Angela C. Not-So-Safe Drinking Water Act: Why We Must Regulate Hydraulic
Fracturing at the Federal Level, The. 3 Wm. & Mary Envtl. L. & Pol 'y Rev.
!
Abstract As concern grows over the environmental impact of hydraulic fracturing, implementing policy that protects people and their environment from these potential dangers becomes an essential piece of the renewable energy picture. Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is the technique of extracting oil and natural gas trapped under ground by injecting a mixture of water, sand, and chemicals into the earth with enough pressure to fracture the rock-bed, and allow the oil and gas to be collected [1]. Natural gas is the cleanest burning hydrocarbon and will play an integral role in the future as we transition to renewable energy sources [2]. Despite …show more content…
If hydraulic fracturing is here to stay, as it appears it will be, policy must be put in place to ensure the potential damage to local communities is minimized. Furthermore, regulation should enforce fracking companies to be more transparent and forthcoming about their practices.
In this discussion, we will first describe the process of fracking. This description focuses on the initial fracturing stage, the life span of a fracked well, and the process of abandoning a fractured well that is no longer producing. Next we discuss the rise of fracking. We present here a history of its development, which starts in the 19th century. The most important aspect of its development has been the last decade, which has seen an exponential growth of the fracking industry. We then discuss the why behind its boom. The main reason being that the industry is extremely profitable, coupled with the governments push for domestic energy production, which would reduce our dependence on foreign oil. We also describe the dangers behind hydraulic fracturing, and the controversy that surrounds it. We conclude with a solution to mitigate the dangers posed by hydraulic fracturing.
The Fracking …show more content…
Joseph D. Ayotte et al. (August 2011). "Trace Elements and Radon in Groundwater Across the United States, 1992-2003". U.S. Geological Survey. Retrieved 25 May 2012.
23. Fox, Josh. (filmmaker). (2010). Gasland [Documentary]. United States: New Video Group.
24. Retrieved from website: http://stateimpact.npr.org/texas/tag/earthquake/
"Ohio Quakes Probably Triggered by Waste Disposal Well, Say Seismologists". LamontDoherty Earth Observatory Institute, Columbia University. 6 January 2012. Retrieved 22
February 2012.
25. University of Texas, Study finds correlation between injection wells and small earthquakes, 6
Aug. 2011. From: http://www.utexas.edu/news/2012/08/06/correlation-injection-wells! small-earthquakes/ 26. Jeff McMahon (10 April 2011). "EPA: New Radiation Highs in Little Rock Milk,
Philadelphia Drinking Water". Forbes. Retrieved 22 February 2012
27. Sandy Bauers (21 July 2011). "Cancer patients’ urine suspected in Wissahickon iodine-131 levels". Philadelphia inquirer, Carbon County Groundwater Guardians. Retrieved 25
February 2012
28. Cupas, Angela C. Not-So-Safe Drinking Water Act: Why We Must Regulate Hydraulic
Fracturing at the Federal Level, The. 3 Wm. & Mary Envtl. L. & Pol 'y Rev.