The Effects Of Hydraulic Fracturing On The Environment

Dangers of Hydraulic Fracturing Despite its many advantages, hydraulic fracturing poses serious threats to the environment. Some of the commonly identifiable effects of hydraulic fracturing include water pollution, over depletion of water resources, noise pollution, air pollution as well as contributing to land movements such as tremors and earthquakes (Boudet et al. 57). According to Boudet et al. (58), fracking presents challenges that prompted the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to commence investigations into the environmental effects of hydraulic fracturing. Fracking is a capital-intensive project that usually involves the clearing of lands, transportation of water resources, construction of critical infrastructures such as†¦show more content†¦According to a survey conducted by Anderson Theodori (135), the residents of Texas readily point to the accessibility to the right jobs and better living standards as some of the benefits of hydraulic fracturing. The residents are however quick to singl e out the fact that the availability of employment in Texas has also strained public utilities and social goods such as education, healthcare and even recreational facilities (Rahm 2981). Be that as it may, the residents identify many positive impacts and do not want hydraulic fracturing to be stopped. Controversies around Hydraulic Fracturing Some of the problems associated with hydraulic fracturing include a strain on the water resources in the State of Texas. The residents sampled in the Anderson and Theodori (131) survey asserts that fracking strains their water resources and forces them to reduce their water consumption. The residents were concerned that the continued over-exploitation of their water resources might, in the long run, result in depletion of the scarce resource (Gregory, Kelvin, Radisav, Vidic Dzombak 184). The quality of the water consumed by residents living in areas where fracking is conducted is a cause of primary concern. Given the fact that the water extracted from the mines is usually released back into the ecosystem, there isShow MoreRelatedHydraulic Fracturing And Its Effects On The Environment1087 Words   |  5 Pages Hydraulic Fracturing Maya Murray Mr. Iwasaki Chun MYP Chemistry Essay 3 May 2015 Maya Murray Mr. Iwasaki Chun MYP Chemistry 3 May 2015 Hydraulic Fracturing â€Å"Our country will have drilled and fracked our way down a blind alley for a short lived energy boom† (qtd. In †¦). Hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking, is the process of drilling and injecting fluid into the ground at high pressure in order to fracture shale rocks to release natural gases inside. Many people are referringRead MoreThe Effects Of Hydraulic Fracturing On The Environment1275 Words   |  6 Pages Hydraulic Fracturing Hydraulic fracturing is known as the process of inserting sand, chemicals, or water into the ground to crack the deep deposits. Additionally, high pressure is required due to the far distance. Next, a pressurized rock layer is created, this is called Marcellus Shale. After, sand or water is used to keep the fissures open for continuous release of shale (natural) gas or oil. To transport water to the site, the trucks must be used for transportation. However, these huge trucksRead MoreHydraulic Fracturing And Its Effects On The Environment1737 Words   |  7 PagesHydraulic Fracturing has led to less cases of contamination than any other method of oil extraction, which is contrary to popular belief. There have been many useful regulations that turned a once feared industry to an environmentally safe, highly profitable industry. Hydraulic Fracturing is worth the risks it poses on the environment, because it will bolster the U.S. economy and foreign policy, provide billions of Petro leum barrels and trillions of square feet of natural gas, and it is not as harmfulRead MoreThe Effects Of Hydraulic Fracturing On The Environment1622 Words   |  7 Pages Hydraulic Fracturing is a process which uses water to crack rock formations as a means to extract natural gas or oil. This method is highly debatable as to whether it uses too much water in areas that have fragile water sources as well as whether the process contaminates surrounding water sources. The State of Texas is a hotspot for hydraulic fracturing because of the amount of shale formations which can produce oil and natural gas. Texas is a dry state which often experiences severe droughts. ThereRead MoreHydraulic Fracturing And Its Effects On The Environment1467 Words   |  6 PagesHydraulic Fracturing Introduction For this assignment I have chosen to look in to a subject that is in the news media spotlight. The subject is the process of hydraulic fracturing. In this paper, we will learn about this process by answering the following questions. First what is hydraulic fracturing and what is the process used for. Then we will look at the actual process of hydraulic fracturing (how it works). Next we will take a closer look at some of the chemical use during the hydraulic fracturingRead MoreThe Possible Effects of Hydraulic Fracturing in Newfoundland1278 Words   |  5 Pagesessay will examine the possible effects of hydraulic fracturing in Newfoundland. Hydraulic fracturing is the process of retrieving natural gas from the earth by injecting fluid into a borehole and pressurizing it, creating cracks in the rock. hydraulic fracturing fluid is made up of small beads of sand or ceramic, which prop open the cracks in the rock, as well as water and chemicals, which help suspend the proppants (sand or ceramic). The hydraulic fracturing fluid is pressurized, allowing theRead MoreFracking and the Halliburton Act Essay1132 Words   |  5 PagesIntroduction â€Å"Hydraulic fracturing involves the use of water pressure to create fractures in rock that allow the oil and natural gas it contains to escape and flow out of a well (Energy From Shale).† Fracking has served to extract natural gas and oil where other methods would not be as successful but many environmentalists argue that fracking is affecting the environment and our drinking supply of water. Although fracking is still a controversial topic, it provides Americans jobs, increases theRead MoreAlternative Energy Sources1852 Words   |  7 Pagesof the energy source through the process of hydraulic fracturing. In this report the following topics will be discussed to get a better understanding of natural gas and the hydraulic fracturing process. An overview of natural gas will be discussed. A detail description of the hydraulic fracturing process will be provided. The advantages and disadvantages of hydraulic fracturing will also be compared. Finally the report will look at h ydraulic fracturing in a South Africa context and weigh all theRead MoreHydraulic Fracturing Is Risky And Dangerous For The Environment1153 Words   |  5 PagesFlint did. Well there is. Everywhere there is Hydraulic Fracturing, there is a risk that your tap water will become polluted. Hydraulic Fracturing is risky and dangerous for the environment and not worth the benefits of natural gas. Hydraulic Fracturing is a process that involves drilling a well and injecting water at high speeds to break up rocks and minerals underground and allows natural gas to flow out to be collected, according to Hydraulic Fracturing Should be Banned written by the Food and WaterRead MoreHydraulic Fracturing Has Recently Grown In Popularity As1516 Words   |  7 PagesHydraulic fracturing has recently grown in popularity as a means of energy production. There are advantages and disadvantages, mainly relating to the environment and the economy, of this industry. Although there are pros and cons to both sides of the issue, a compromise needs to be found for both the safety of the environment and to be able to support affordable energy production. Hydraulic fracturing, as an industry, has had a large economic impact by creating jobs. Using natural gas from hydraulic The Effects Of Hydraulic Fracturing On The Environment Hydraulic Fracturing is a process which uses water to crack rock formations as a means to extract natural gas or oil. This method is highly debatable as to whether it uses too much water in areas that have fragile water sources as well as whether the process contaminates surrounding water sources. The State of Texas is a hotspot for hydraulic fracturing because of the amount of shale formations which can produce oil and natural gas. Texas is a dry state which often experiences severe droughts. There is debate about if Texas has sufficient water supplies to support hydraulic fracturing. Since hydraulic fracturing is a fairly new process, there needs to be more research to determine the realistic affect it has on the environment. The†¦show more content†¦Does fracking pollute the water of surrounding water systems to unsafe levels for human consumption? These areas will be explored throughout this document. 1 What is Hydraulic Fracturing The United States Geological Survey Energy Resources Program defines hydraulic fracturing as an oil and gas well development process that typically involves injecting water, sand, and chemicals under high pressure into a bedrock formation via the well (Hydraulic Fracturing). The process is meant to produce fractures in the rock formations which increases the flow of oil from the bedrock to the wells, where it can then be processed into crude oil (Hydraulic Fracturing). Despite being a fairly new method of extraction, fracking has quickly become one of the top methods in use. 2 Water Conditions in Texas. In June of 2014, 70 percent of Texas was in drought; of that 70 percent, 21 percent was classified as being in a state of extreme or exceptional drought (Everything You Need...). In 2013, the state climatologist said part of the cause of the drought was the climbing temperatures due to climate change (Everything You Need...). The climatologist stated that the average temperature in the State of Texas has increased an average of 2 degrees Fahrenheit since the 1970s (Everything You Need...). Texas has experienced several severe droughts throughout history including the droughts of the 1950s, 1984, and 1996 The Effects Of Hydraulic Fracturing On The Environment Hydraulic Fracturing Hydraulic fracturing is known as the process of inserting sand, chemicals, or water into the ground to crack the deep deposits. Additionally, high pressure is required due to the far distance. Next, a pressurized rock layer is created, this is called Marcellus Shale. After, sand or water is used to keep the fissures open for continuous release of shale (natural) gas or oil. To transport water to the site, the trucks must be used for transportation. However, these huge trucks use a massive amount of diesel, so it releases particles that harms the atmosphere. .Lastly, once the process is concluded, the pressure causes the water to flow above the ground surface. Thus, the water is contaminated with chemicals or other†¦show more content†¦Organizations also ensure the safety of the natural gas industry by creating the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission. This organization allows corporations to publicize the chemicals used of the gas production proce ss. In 2012, there were 17,000 disclosures reported from about 135 companies, (Pliss, p.2). In 2011, the Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals Act was proposed in Congress (Palliser, 23). This act would mandate hydrofracturing companies to disclose all chemicals used in the process. Passing this act would allow the Drinking Water Act to set standards to corporations. However, the Drinking Water Act is exempted by the fracturing industry. Hydraulic fracturing impacts the environment and human health, regulated by the EPA. The EPA oversees the hydraulic fracturing by making sure the companies have the required permit. Additionally, this organization ensures the safety of wastewater from hydraulic fracturing by correct disposal. Also, they provide ways to reduce the air emission especially from methane, commonly distributed during the fracturing process. Furthermore, Senate Fran Pavley, introduced a bill that would notify land owners about the process of hydraulic fractu ring, and a ground water testing for any contamination present (Palliser, 23). Senate Pavley stated that this bill would ease some tension for some people, those concerned about the environmental status of their community. Some states think that fracking should be avoided