The science behind hydraulic fracturing has developed a complex system of wells, source water and waste disposal that maximizes the extraction of natural gas, but the science behind the environmental effects is still largely unknown. As a result, the EPA and other organizations are conducting studies to determine possible health and environmental effects. There is concern that drinking water could be contaminated at various points in the fracking process, which would create a major health problem for people and animals living in areas where fracking occurs. As the natural gas is brought to the surface during the process, chemicals and even naturally occurring materials are extracted with it. Currently, it is believed that metals and radionuclides are two examples of materials that could be contaminating water the in the process. Other concerns include air pollution, and explosions, which have occurred on multiple occasions in the U.S. alone.
Even though scientific studies are actively taking place, fracking is still occurring around the country. Unfortunately, this is a major political issue and politicians tend to focus on one side of the argument when discussing it. It is largely regulated by individual states, which has led to variances in the protections against possible dangers. The primary argument for it is that it is seen as a major economic opportunity, but I think it is relatively irresponsible to be conducting this in high volumes without knowing all of the effects of it.
A video looking at the process:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXDWEb6RjZY
Sources:
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/uic/pdfs/hfresearchstudyfs.pdf
http://grist.org/basics/fracking-faq-the-science-and-technology-behind-the-natural-gas-boom/
http://www.nrdc.org/legislation/policy-basics/files/policy-basics-fracking-FS.pdf
Zebulon Hilyard
ReplyDeleteI have heard of fracking but was unaware of the controversy with it until I read your post. I think that these arguments are a little unfair. If there are no proven adverse affects to this I do not see why it should be halted. From an economic standpoint, every chance we get to become more independent in terms of natural gas we need to take advantage of it. I think that if there are adverse effects to the environment, especially drinking water, these effects would be apparent very quickly. Agencies like the EPA have our best interest in mind, but if they are unable to come up with a reason as to why it is bad for our environment within the first 50 years of it being around then there is no reason to stop.
Zebulon, I I understand your argument in favor for hydraulic fracturing in order to achieve energy independence in the US, however, the effects may be more harmful to our country than not achieving energy independence. In a past political science class that I've taken, called Persuasive Politics, I was assigned a political campaign against hydraulic fracturing due to the pollutants and danger of extracting shale. In doing this project, I found some terrible stories regarding families who no longer have a clean water supply, as the water from their tap is able to light on fire from all of the metals introduced to the water supply through drilling techniques used in hydrofracking. In my opinion, hydraulic fracturing may be a promising technique in the future of our energy sector, but we must experiment and further regulate this expanding topic before we contaminate our precious water supplies.
ReplyDeleteThe good side of fracking, if im not wrong is the get the shale gas which is hidden deep down the earth. With this technology, we are able to get cheap gas, which is why if you take a look at the price of nat gas, it is trading at a 6 year low from a high of $13 spot price to around $3 a year ago, and now it is around $5 due to the cold weather. With the cheap natural gas, we would be able to utilize nat gas for other uses,(such as cool it to LNG and ship it to Japan for a price) and also be able to warm our houses at a cheaper price. There are always pros and cons, and in this case, if the government moderates properly, I think pros would outweigh the cons.
ReplyDeleteFracking seems like it's like a very useful tool for providing a new source of gas that would lessen the effects of importing fuel to the country. It could also harm the environment if not done properly. I believe if there's enough regulation on the process, and it doesn't get out of hand like offshore drilling, then it could stay safe for the environment.
ReplyDeleteMitch Joa