What are the dangers of frackingRefers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force.?

There are a lot of unknowns regarding the long term dangers and effects of frackingRefers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force..  The oil and gas industry is not required to release information on what chemicals they are currently using for the frackingRefers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force. process.  There have been instances of people getting sick, vegetation kills and well water igniting when drilling sites have been close by.  The industry insists that the isolated incidents are unrelated and regulation is unnecessary.

The full effects of the frackingRefers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force. process itself are not fully known since the underlying geology thousands of feet below the surface from the wellbore cannot be identified with exactitude.

Oil and gas companies claim that the frackingRefers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force. fluids and created fractures extend only several hundred feet from the wellbore and never actually reach the surface area.  However, models do not capture the full science of the process.

A frackRefers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force. job may also create new fractures that intersect with natural geologic vertical faults that communicate with the surface.  While oil and gas companies have data regarding the geology, they cannot identify every natural faultOccurs when a part of the earth’s crust fractures due to forces by movement of plates on the earth’s crust. With regard to natural gas, faults are of interest because they often form traps. or irregularity near the wellbore.  In the scenario that the fractures intersect, the formationA body of earth material with distinctive and characteristic properties. pressure would force the newly liberated oil and gas and toxic frackingRefers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force. fluids through these new fracture into the natural faultOccurs when a part of the earth’s crust fractures due to forces by movement of plates on the earth’s crust. With regard to natural gas, faults are of interest because they often form traps..  These toxic fluids could then travel upward past the reservoir cap into a freshwater aquiferUnderground bed or layer yielding ground water for wells and springs. near the surface.

Some landowners have been reporting that they have been able to light their tap water on fire where there have been contaminated drinking water aquifers with methan, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene.  Benzene is a known human carcinogen, while the health effects of long term exposure to methaneMethane, commonly known as natural gas is the most common hydrocarbon gas. It is colorless and naturally odorless, and burns efficiently without many by products. and other components of natural gasA naturally occurring mixture of hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon gases beneath the earth’s surface – often in association with petroleum. have not been fully studied.

Oil and gas companies are stating that even though the tap water is ignitable, the methaneMethane, commonly known as natural gas is the most common hydrocarbon gas. It is colorless and naturally odorless, and burns efficiently without many by products. is harmless.  They also claim that the water contamination has nothing to do with frackingRefers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force..  However, a study by Duke researchers in PA found that water wells near a frackingRefers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force. site were more likely to exhibit methaneMethane, commonly known as natural gas is the most common hydrocarbon gas. It is colorless and naturally odorless, and burns efficiently without many by products. contamination.

Spills sometime occur during the injection of the frackingRefers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force. fluids, capture of fluids, and transport of the flow.  During frackingRefers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force., millions of gallons of fluid are pumped down from the surface under high pressure, then these fluids return to the surface where they are often stored in a tank or pit before being disposed of.

Blowouts can occur during the drilling of the well, during the frackingRefers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force. process, or during install of a new well.  A blowout is the uncontrolled release of oil or gas from a well.  There are mechanisms referred to as “blow out preventers” put in place to prevent this from happening.

There are sometimes poor cement jobs which result in spills and blowouts.  If contractors rush the casingUsed to line the walls of a gas well to prevent collapse of the well. It is also used to protect the surrounding earth and rock layers from being contaminated by petroleum, or the drilling fluids. and cementing to move on to the next job, then the gas will not escape the pipe in an effective manner.

There is also a fear of improper storage of the frackingRefers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force. fluids.  Once the fluids have returned to the surface, operators do not store and dispose of the radioactive contaminated flowback in a proper manner.  Fluids are often stored in unlined or poorly constructed pits that allow toxic waste to seep into local waterways.

FrackingRefers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force. also causes air pollution from multiple sources.  Particles and chemicals can be released into the atmosphere – which can have serious health implications.

Exhaust from the massive pumps used in the frackingRefers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force. process also contribute to air pollution along with evaporation of contaminated flowback. FrackingRefers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force. in fact causes so much air pollution that some locations experience air quality worse than Los Angeles.

It has also been rumored that frackingRefers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force. leads to an increase in earthquakes.  If a stress is present in the geologic structure, the structure may slip and generate seismic events over a range of magnitudes.

Why isn’t frackingRefers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force. regulated?

The oil and gas industry have successfully fended off regulation on many fronts and won exemptions from most environmental regulations.

Oil and gas companies have refused to divulge the components of their frackingRefers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force. fluids under the community right to know act by claiming the statute does not apply and the information is proprietary.

In 2002, EPAFederal agency that regulates industrial impacts on the environment. reported that at the point of injection, 9 frackingRefers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force. chemicals violated water quality standards – the assertion was edited before the final report was published.  EPAFederal agency that regulates industrial impacts on the environment. has decided to conduct a more thorough study on the effects of frackingRefers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force., but the results will not be available until 2014.

How does natural gasA naturally occurring mixture of hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon gases beneath the earth’s surface – often in association with petroleum. and oil end up in reservoirs or pockets?

Natural gasA naturally occurring mixture of hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon gases beneath the earth’s surface – often in association with petroleum. and oil has been formed over tens of millions of years from the deposits of organic matter that have been buried by thousands of feet of sedimentation. When natural gasA naturally occurring mixture of hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon gases beneath the earth’s surface – often in association with petroleum. and oil is formed, it slowly migrates through pores in the source rocks to create natural gasA naturally occurring mixture of hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon gases beneath the earth’s surface – often in association with petroleum. and oil reservoirs. These reservoirs are created when the gas and oil becomes “trapped” by the existence of impermeable rock layer. This barrier prevents further upward migration and these reservoirs become the targets for drilling operations. It is these accumulated deposits that form the collection of natural gasA naturally occurring mixture of hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon gases beneath the earth’s surface – often in association with petroleum. and oil reserves that comprise the massive unconventional shaleA fine grained sedimentary rock composed mostly of consolidated clay or mud. Shale is the most frequently occurring sedimentary rock. reserves.

Why is hydraulic fracturingRefers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force.Refers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force. necessary?

Without the recent and significant technological advancements made in horizontal drillingHorizontal Drilling is the most rapidly growing movement in the industry. Essentially, in addition to the vertical shaft in an oil or gas well, special equipment allows producers to extend horizontal shafts into areas that could not otherwise be reached. and in hydraulic fracturingRefers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force.Refers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force., the natural gasA naturally occurring mixture of hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon gases beneath the earth’s surface – often in association with petroleum. and oil found in deep shaleA fine grained sedimentary rock composed mostly of consolidated clay or mud. Shale is the most frequently occurring sedimentary rock. formations would be, uneconomic and unrecoverable. The creation of small cracks, or fractures, in the shaleA fine grained sedimentary rock composed mostly of consolidated clay or mud. Shale is the most frequently occurring sedimentary rock. allows the natural gasA naturally occurring mixture of hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon gases beneath the earth’s surface – often in association with petroleum. and oil trapped within the very dense rock formations to flow to the surface.

What chemicals are used in hydraulic fracturingRefers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force.Refers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force.?

Approximately 98% of the volume of materials used during the hydraulic fracturingRefers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force.Refers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force. of deep shaleA fine grained sedimentary rock composed mostly of consolidated clay or mud. Shale is the most frequently occurring sedimentary rock. gasNatural gas trapped in a shaleA fine grained sedimentary rock composed mostly of consolidated clay or mud. Shale is the most frequently occurring sedimentary rock. formationA body of earth material with distinctive and characteristic properties.. and oil wells is made up of water and sand. Other typical ingredients include a friction reducer, gelling agent and antibacterial agents. A typical hydraulic fracturingRefers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force.Refers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force. mixture and a list of typical additives include:

How can regulatory agencies confirm that operators are complying with regulations?

Agencies confirm that operators are complying with regulations through a number of established methods such as permitting, completion reports and inspections. These methods are more fully described below.

When is a permit acquired?

Regulatory agencies require permits before construction. A detailed review of applications is conducted by the agencies to verify that project designs meet requirements before work is performed on the targeted location. Once the design is approved, a permit with specific operating instructions is provided to the operator. Depending upon the targeted location, additional permits may be required.

What type of agency reporting is required?

The operator is required to submit completion reports to the proper state agency to provide information on the final freshwater casingUsed to line the walls of a gas well to prevent collapse of the well. It is also used to protect the surrounding earth and rock layers from being contaminated by petroleum, or the drilling fluids. protection design program for each well. This information includes the size and amount of casingUsed to line the walls of a gas well to prevent collapse of the well. It is also used to protect the surrounding earth and rock layers from being contaminated by petroleum, or the drilling fluids. to be used in the well and the amount of cement used to seal off the casingUsed to line the walls of a gas well to prevent collapse of the well. It is also used to protect the surrounding earth and rock layers from being contaminated by petroleum, or the drilling fluids. from the surrounding earth. The location where the hydraulic fracturingRefers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force.Refers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force. will occur and the type of stimulation materials (hydraulic fracturingRefers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force.Refers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force. fluids) are also detailed on the report. Any additional operational equipment installed in the wellbore will also be noted on the report.

When are inspections conducted?

Agencies can, and do, conduct inspections during or after drilling, construction and production to verify that all project work performed by the operator is in compliance with the proper regulations and permits.

How can I be sure that my groundwater is protected?

Each state implements specific programs to protect its underground drinking water resources. Steel casingUsed to line the walls of a gas well to prevent collapse of the well. It is also used to protect the surrounding earth and rock layers from being contaminated by petroleum, or the drilling fluids. with surrounding layers of cement are installed to isolate the well and protect the drinking water aquifers through which the wellbore penetrates. The depth at which the surface casingUsed to line the walls of a gas well to prevent collapse of the well. It is also used to protect the surrounding earth and rock layers from being contaminated by petroleum, or the drilling fluids.The first string of casingUsed to line the walls of a gas well to prevent collapse of the well. It is also used to protect the surrounding earth and rock layers from being contaminated by petroleum, or the drilling fluids. put into a well. Surface casingUsed to line the walls of a gas well to prevent collapse of the well. It is also used to protect the surrounding earth and rock layers from being contaminated by petroleum, or the drilling fluids. is cemented into bedrock and serves to shut out shallow water formations and as a foundation for well control during drilling operations. extends below these freshwater aquifers is mandated by each state’s regulatory agency.

After it is determined that the well is capable of producing natural gasA naturally occurring mixture of hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon gases beneath the earth’s surface – often in association with petroleum. or oil, a tubing string is set to provide an added layer of separation between the natural gasA naturally occurring mixture of hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon gases beneath the earth’s surface – often in association with petroleum. and oil stream and freshwater aquiferUnderground bed or layer yielding ground water for wells and springs.. The multiple layers of steel and cement which go into the construction of a well, when properly installed, virtually eliminate the possibility of contamination to these freshwater zones.

What is the likelihood of a spill at the wellhead during the hydraulic fracturingRefers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force.Refers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force. process?

Spills at the wellhead during hydraulic fracturingRefers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force.Refers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force. activities are extremely rare. The piping and hydraulic fracturingRefers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force.Refers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force. equipment used to transport fluids to the wellhead are inspected and pressure tested prior to the start of each hydraulic fracturingRefers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force.Refers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force. job. The equipment is pressure rated and continuous monitoring occurs during operations to ensure that pressures remain below the safety-rated pressure levels. Raw chemicals are maintained inside lined secondary containment areas to catch any releases before they can migrate off the site. The sites are specifically constructed to contain any releases.