Hydraulic Fracturing Research Paper - 1756 Words

Around the world, countries are dependent on oil and more often than not, foreign oil. The U.S. is at a time where they believe buying foreign oil supports terrorism and hurts our economy. Shale formations deep underground that spread all over the U.S. have been found to contain natural gas. This includes the Marcellus Shale formation and the Utica Shale formation, which can be found all throughout New York State and down the East Coast (Hydro-Fracking pg.1). To get at this abundance of gas underground, hydraulic fracturing was invented, but this new method of gas extraction safe for the environment and for the people around it? Numerous reports have been given on the dangerous affects of hydraulic fracturing. One such†¦show more content†¦pg. 1) â€Å"In a July 19 letter to ten oil and gas producers – including BP, Chesapeake Energy, and ExxonMobil – the lawmakers requested information on the companies’ hydraulic fracturing operations and on possible h uman impacts. According to a subcommittee staff memo, the hydraulic fracturing companies ‘do not track whether the wells they fracture are located in underground sources of drinking water (Hobson Penn.).† Another problem that we know exists with hydraulic fracturing is the contamination of the water, the ground, and the air around the sites (Goldman pg. 2). It has been shown that â€Å"†¦residents living near the hydraulic fracturing sites are increasingly worried that the drilling process might be contaminating their well water, polluting streams, and releasing toxic gases into the air (Hobson).† Water sources, as well as the soil, are often polluted from flowback fluid and from production brine (Hydro-Fracking pg.4). Flowback fluid is â€Å"the contaminated fluid that returns to the surface during the drilling process, and is estimated to be between 9% - 35% of the fluids injected duringShow MoreRelatedRenewable Energy Sources For Energy1540 Words   |  7 Pagesa process called hydraulic fracturing, or â€Å"fracking.† But this energy source is highly polarizing, with strong advocates and detractors. While there are many who believe hydraulic fracturing should not be used in the quest for natural resources, the process has a relatively low impact on the environment, and the shale gas that it produces has the potential to change the energy landscape for the better. Contrary to what environmental activists say, hydraulic fracturing is an inherently safeRead MoreFracking And Its Early Technological Advancements1564 Words   |  7 Pages â€Æ' Contents Introduction 1 What is Hydraulic Fracking? 2 The Roberts Torpedo, 1864 3 Kelpper Well No. 1, 1947 5 Hydrafrac, 1949 6 The Growth of Hydrafrac, 1949 - 1954 8 Introduction Hydraulic fracking (‘Fracking’) dominates the US oil and gas industry. Although it is currently a politically dividing topic due to environmental concerns (United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2010), the concept behind fracking has been around for over 150 years (Roberts, 1866), and has beenRead MoreMicrobial Communities Associated with Hydraulic Fracturing Background Information Microbial600 Words   |  3 PagesMicrobial Communities Associated with Hydraulic Fracturing Background Information Microbial communities have been observed around wells that were created using hydraulic fracturing. Shale beds, like the Barnett Shale in Texas, are believed to be sterilized due to the thermogenic origin of the gas formations. â€Å"The gas in the shale is entirely of thermogenic origin and was generated during heating events that resulted in temperatures of up to 150  °C (Montgomery et al., 2005). These temperatures areRead MoreFracking : Fracking And Fracking1524 Words   |  7 Pages Hydraulic Fracturing Research Paper Hydraulic Fracturing (also commonly known as fracking) is a process used to extract natural gasses deep within the earth. This is done by drilling vertically into the ground until the desired depth; then drilling horizontally; and pumping millions of gallons of water, sand, and other chemicals into the drill at a high pressure to create fissures through which the gas can escape. Currently, hydraulic fracturing is extensively used in the United States in orderRead MorePublic Health and Hyudraulic Fracturing1476 Words   |  6 PagesThis paper explores the process and potential effects of hydraulic fracturing in a public health framework. It defines the relationship between hydraulic fracturing and public health by presenting the pathways and nature of contamination. It concludes by examining the potential effects contaminants may have on the human populations as well as offering recommendations for future studies and analysis. Pathways of Contamination It is believed that the potential health consequences of hydraulicRead MoreWater Contamination Caused By Hydraulic Fracturing1505 Words   |  7 PagesDue to Hydraulic Fracturing in Pennsylvania Natural gas is a fossil fuel that plays a critical role in the demand and supply of energy in the United States. It is considered to be a clean burning transition fuel. Compared to coal and oil, natural gas combustion does not generate as much pollution and is therefore considered an ideal partner for renewable energy resources. Natural gas is extracted from shale formations underground that require horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing – â€Å"hydrofracking†Read MoreThe Effects Of Hydraulic Fracturing On The American Economy1398 Words   |  6 Pages Hydraulic fracturing can be very beneficial to the American economy. While beneficial, it has proven to be very harmful. As studies show, fracturing is using an absurd amount of water to complete these wells. Not only is the amount of water usage detrimental to our water supply, but oil companies are showing no signs of slowing down. On top of the high water usage, fracturing is physically crippling our environment with the injected fluids. With over 600 different types of chemicals added intoRead MoreThe Economic Report On Fracking, Is It Worth It?1465 Words   |  6 Pagesand natural gas prices rose and fell based on OPEC’s and other large oil and natural gas producers’ production and pricing decisions. Beginning in 2005, things began to change in the US oil and natural gas industry. New technology called hydraulic fracturing or â€Å"fracking† made it possible to extract oil and natural gas from geological formations (shale) that had previously been though t to be too difficult and too costly to mine and process (Figure 1). Used in 9 out of 10 natural gas wells in theRead MoreFracking Is A Dangerous Process That Should Be Banned Immediately1328 Words   |  6 PagesHydraulic Fracturing (fracking) is the process of drilling into the ground and pumping sand, water, and fracking fluid at high pressures in order to extract natural shale gas that was previously unattainable. This process comes with environmental issues: the chemicals from the fracking fluid can contaminate nearby drinking water wells and harm the citizens of that area. Despite the fact that there have been several contaminated drinking water cases reported, there is little being done about thisRead MoreNatural Gas Is A Clean Burning Transition Fuel1141 Words   |  5 Pagesgas is extracted from shale formations underground that require horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing – â€Å"hydrofracking† or â€Å"fracking†. This drilling and extractio n method is currently considered a global widespread issue due to the rapid increase in the amount of new gas wells that threatens the quality of water around the source (Entriken, Evans-White, Johnson Hagenbuch, 2011). Hydraulic Fracturing is a process where high-pressure fracking fluids are forced into rich shale to extract natural