The Great Frack
Jack Redpath March 2014
Global Seminar Big Paper
The United States is home to what some estimate to be the largest known shale gas reserves in the world. Often referred to as the “bridge fuel” that, according to the oil and gas industry, will aid in the country’s energy transition from coal and oil to renewable sources like wind and solar power. Natural gas now fuels nearly 40 percent of the country’s electricity generation and the use of the gas is becoming very popular. Natural gas use has soared in recent years, but so has the controversy surrounding the environmental, public health, and social impacts of how the fuel is obtained.
The Marcellus Shale formation, is very interesting to the oil and gas industry, this is not just because of its large, untapped, reserve but because of its proximity to major population centers. This proximity, however, also raises significant public health concerns. The first concern is the potentially damaging impact of natural gas drilling on fresh water resources. A new process conducted by drilling companies has the potential to drastically increase pollution exposure, and concerned members of the public, some state and federal regulators are keeping a close watch on the process.
The method combines a new form of horizontal drilling with hydraulic fracturing – more commonly known as fracking. This process blasts open fissures in underground shale-rock formations by injecting a high pressure combination of fluids, chemicals and water causing the fossil fuel to flow to the production well. During this process, millions of gallons of fracking fluid – a mixture of water, sand and toxic chemicals – are injected into the ground to break up the shale and release natural gas. While each company’s method is a closely guarded secret, in some cases the mix includes known carcinogens (cause cancer).
Only about 4% (from grassland) of wastewater is brought back up to the surface and is left to evaporate in waste
Global Seminar Big Paper
The United States is home to what some estimate to be the largest known shale gas reserves in the world. Often referred to as the “bridge fuel” that, according to the oil and gas industry, will aid in the country’s energy transition from coal and oil to renewable sources like wind and solar power. Natural gas now fuels nearly 40 percent of the country’s electricity generation and the use of the gas is becoming very popular. Natural gas use has soared in recent years, but so has the controversy surrounding the environmental, public health, and social impacts of how the fuel is obtained.
The Marcellus Shale formation, is very interesting to the oil and gas industry, this is not just because of its large, untapped, reserve but because of its proximity to major population centers. This proximity, however, also raises significant public health concerns. The first concern is the potentially damaging impact of natural gas drilling on fresh water resources. A new process conducted by drilling companies has the potential to drastically increase pollution exposure, and concerned members of the public, some state and federal regulators are keeping a close watch on the process.
The method combines a new form of horizontal drilling with hydraulic fracturing – more commonly known as fracking. This process blasts open fissures in underground shale-rock formations by injecting a high pressure combination of fluids, chemicals and water causing the fossil fuel to flow to the production well. During this process, millions of gallons of fracking fluid – a mixture of water, sand and toxic chemicals – are injected into the ground to break up the shale and release natural gas. While each company’s method is a closely guarded secret, in some cases the mix includes known carcinogens (cause cancer).
Only about 4% (from grassland) of wastewater is brought back up to the surface and is left to evaporate in waste