Hydro-Fracking up our Environment

Chris Hansford200220236

What is Hydrofracking?

A relatively new process to extract natural gas deposits found in shale generally 1 mile or more below the earths surface

This procedure is a lot more economical than traditional ways

How is it Done?

The process starts by drilling a well into the earths surface to a pre determined elevation consisting of Marcellus Shale

Direction of the drill is then steered horizontally A device is placed in the horizontal section that

is triggered to blast holes through the casing A mixture of sand, water, and chemicals is

pressurized into the well and forced out of the blast holes into the shale

The shale fractures and the sand particles keeps cracks from closing

Why we use Hydrofracking

Economical way to extract natural gas from deposits

Eliminates importing fuel from other countries

Provides many people in the country with high paying jobs

Much cheaper than previous extraction method

Cuts spending costs Keeps money from in the country

Can save communities from economical disasters Land owners receive large payments for land use

Natural gas is the cleanest burning fossil fuel Contributes the smallest amount of greenhouse

gasses to the atmosphere Helps prolong the health of our environment

Why we use Hydrofracking

Downsides of this Process

Needs astronomical amounts of water

Contaminates groundwater

Most water is taken from ponds and streams destroying habitats for many animals

Pressured mixture contains harsh chemicals Only a fraction of the mixture is recovered from

the process Mixture is supposed to stay well below surface

but has reached water sources

Downsides of this Process

Creates irreversible damage to the earth Environmentalists claim harmful side effects such

as earthquakes Creating irreversible damage to the environment

Reactions for our Actions

There are many activist groups forming that are trying to stop the use of hydrofracking

Reactions for our Actions

We’re unable to predict the future use of hydrofracking as the pros are outweighing the cons to some

There are two views from people on the use of this process: In favor: Focused on money

Not in favor: Focused on the environment

Conclusion

This technology has given us the ability to extract a highly valuable substance with a low cost, putting lots of money in our pockets. Unfortunately, this money won’t mean anything if we’re unable to live due to the lack of sustainability cause from the repercussions of hydrofracking. Our environmental side effects are far too severe, with our biggest risk is losing our clean aquifers that supply us with drinking water. We were able to invent this technology, we should be able to keep advancing it until we can alter it with no toxic substances.

References

Walters, J. (2009). Energy & Environment: Hydrofracking for natural gas – worth the risk? Retrieved from http://www.governing.com/topics/energy-env/Hydrofracking-Natural-Gas.html

Greenburg, S. (2012). National: Hydrofracking Picking Up Steam. Retrieved from

http://thepolitic.org/hydrofracking-picking-up-steam/ Hines, D. (2011). Marcellus Shale Information Clearinghouse: How Long Has

Hydrofracking Been Practiced? Retrieved from http://energy.wilkes.edu/pages/203.asp Clark, M. (2011). Earth Times: Hydrofracking impacts water quantity, too. Retrieved

from http://www.earthtimes.org/energy/hydrofracking-impacts-water-quantity/856/ Hancox, E. (2012). Policymic: Hydrofracking Fact and Fiction - What You Need to Know

About the Controversial Practice. Retrieved from http://www.policymic.com/articles/10408/hydrofracking-fact-and-fiction-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-controversial-practice

References

The Politic. [Photograph]. (n.d). Retrieved from: http://thepolitic.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/fracking2.jpg

Hydrofracking. [Photograph]. (n.d). Retrieved from: http://blogs.cas.suffolk.edu/pcharubin/files/2012/03/3321631.jpg

Kingston Progressive. [Photograph]. (2011). Retrieved from: http://kingstonprogressive.blogspot.ca/2011/04/reality-of-hydrofracking.html

Heating Oil. [Photograph]. (2010). Retrieved from: http://www.heatingoil.com/blog/epa-requests-disclosure-of-hydrofracking-chemicals910/

Pertineart. [Photograph]. (2010). Retrieved from: http://pertinentart.blogspot.ca/2010/11/for-more-information-click-here-or.html