For over 65 years, hydraulic fracturing has been commercially used and the contentious debate about this activity has also been ongoing for quite some time now, particularly in the recent years. In the United States, nine out of ten natural gas wells use this activity. However, there are also countries not in favor of the use of hydraulic fracturing because of the implications surrounding it. France, Germany, Russia and the UK are just some countries which openly express their views which also led to the banning or stopping fracking.
What is Hydraulic Fracturing?
Hydraulic fracturing is often called fracking. It is a process of drilling beneath the earth’s surface to extract natural gas and oil. With the use of hydraulic pressure, the cracks in and below the surface expanded by injecting water along with sand and a variety of chemicals referred to as fracturing liquid. Due to the force of pressure injected below, fracturing will occur as the fluid seeps through the rocks. To prevent closure, proppant or particulates and sand are used. As the end of the pipe is reached, gravity comes into the picture. This causes natural gas to flow into the well which can then be used for a myriad of applications.
Despite the benefits hydraulic fracturing presents, there are also potential drawbacks enumerated by critics. Here are some of the points voiced out by two camps about this subject:
List of Pros of Hydraulic Fracturing
1. It has fewer carbon emissions than fossil fuel making it safer for the environment.
Proponents are backing up hydraulic fracturing because aside from being a source of electricity, it is also preferred because it has fewer carbon emissions in the environment. As natural gas replaces coal fuel, air pollution will be lessened. They also say that the natural gas used to light up the homes and provide car power help in the reduction of carbon footprints. Moreover, the natural gas extracted gives enough time until the country and the world can get fuel from renewable resources like the wind and the sun.
2. This will be a boost to the economy.
Supporters of fracking are saying that this increases the oil and gas reserves of the country, making United States less dependent on countries which used to export petroleum to the US. Moreover, the country need not have to rely on Russia for natural gas and not give it the political leverage. Sufficient oil and gas supply will not only make the nation economically and politically independent but will also make it a future exporter of natural gas to other parts of the world.
3. It addresses the problem of unemployment.
Another advantage advocates are reiterating is the increase of available jobs for workers and employees. Where there are ongoing drilling activities in different states, there will be less unemployed members of the communities since a single fracking activity requires skilled workers, drivers, engineers and executives. With more than a hundred positions to be filled-in, locals, especially from economically challenged communities, can be assured employment.
List of Cons of Hydraulic Fracturing
1. The process requires more water than as opposed to the traditional drilling of gas.
Although there will be a reduction in water consumption once natural gas replaces fossil fuel or coal to generate electricity, there is a need for a hefty supply of water while fracking is undergoing. There are millions of gallons of water needed in just one fracking activity. And with the extremes in weather conditions from the increasing effect of global warming, most states in the U.S. are experiencing drought. An activity such as this can have an impact on water supply.
2. There is an ongoing concern about contamination of drinking water.
One of the points raised by opponents is the health of members of the community who, they say, are more likely to get sick of drinking from contaminated water. Despite the report submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that the water is safe and their denial of the extensiveness of water contamination in the water resources all over the country, there have been written reports of some houses complaining of contamination as evidenced by the traces of chemicals found. It is said that this might be brought about by poor water treatment on dried up wells and leaks on the pipes.
3. Hydraulic fracturing can cause seismic activities.
Another contention of the opponents is the risk of causing earthquake from too much drilling. One example cited was the detection of small earth tremors which occurred during drilling test wells in England. An investigation was held which temporarily put the project on hold. On this issue, proponents said that there are more threats conventional mining can bring.
4. Activities of drilling are hazardous to the environment.
People against hydraulic fracturing activities contend that although the end result might lessen carbon emission, a single activity causes noise and air pollution. The number of tankers plying the roads 24 hours a day can reach up to 400 and they emit carbon and burn fossil fuel which is harmful to the environment. Moreover, people living within the vicinity will be subjected to noise from the drilling most part of the day. These are the concerns delivered by environmentalists.
5. The over 600 chemicals can be carcinogenic.
Health issues are also the concern of opponents since hydraulic fracturing can put the health of workers in line, aside from possibly contaminating drinking water if these chemicals leak or spill. They argue that not all oil companies are adhering to rules and regulations especially when it comes to a safe working environment. And sometimes, even the workers themselves are neglectful of their health when it comes to wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Conclusion
Indeed, both camps have valid points of view on the effects of hydraulic fracturing on the countries using this technique and those who ban its use. And though there are benefits from this method, there is no doubt there are also risks. The bottom line, leaders who are supporters of this practice should take into consideration the health and safety of the people as well as the protection of the environment with each activity.