Economic Friend or Environmental Foe?
Brian Choi
Brian Choi
Introduction:
What is Fracking?
Hydraulic fracturing, otherwise known as ‘fracking’, is a method used to enhance or stimulate fluid flow from rocks underground. Geologic formations contain huge quantities of natural gas and oil, but their low permeability and clogging hinders access to these resources. (1)
To expedite the retrieval process, a borehole is created, in which fluids are pumped through metal pipes towards targeted areas. Eventually, the water pressure at depth will be unbearable, causing the rock to fracture and release natural gas into the metal casing. Once the pressure in the borehole is lowered, the water containing natural gas and oil will return back to the surface for use.
In order to target the deposits more efficiently, the pipes are drilled vertically deep underground, then turned horizontal. The water-based fluid that enters the boreholes contains many chemicals and proppants. Proppants consist of sand and ceramic beads that remain in the targeted zones to hold open the fractures. Other ways of retrieving natural gas or oil are through gases or acidizing. (2)
What is Fracking?
Hydraulic fracturing, otherwise known as ‘fracking’, is a method used to enhance or stimulate fluid flow from rocks underground. Geologic formations contain huge quantities of natural gas and oil, but their low permeability and clogging hinders access to these resources. (1)
To expedite the retrieval process, a borehole is created, in which fluids are pumped through metal pipes towards targeted areas. Eventually, the water pressure at depth will be unbearable, causing the rock to fracture and release natural gas into the metal casing. Once the pressure in the borehole is lowered, the water containing natural gas and oil will return back to the surface for use.
In order to target the deposits more efficiently, the pipes are drilled vertically deep underground, then turned horizontal. The water-based fluid that enters the boreholes contains many chemicals and proppants. Proppants consist of sand and ceramic beads that remain in the targeted zones to hold open the fractures. Other ways of retrieving natural gas or oil are through gases or acidizing. (2)
Why is it used?
The modern world has seen a significant surge in the use of fracking to exploit many deposits and reservoirs. Many hydrocarbon and shale reservoirs contain useful resources clamped tightly to the rocks’ pores, so fracking is used to stimulate and increase the flow rate. (2) Many countries use fracking to access vast oil and natural gas reserves that were previously unusable. Not only will most current and future natural gas wells utilize hydraulic fracturing, but also old wells can be revived through fracking.
Hydraulic fracturing is driven and supported by various economic reasons. An abundance of gas from fracking will result in cheaper and cheaper costs. A much-needed increase in employment rate is inevitable with fracking technology, as job opportunities open up for many people. Now, U.S. is the world’s leading natural gas producers, representing about a sixth of the world's total production. (3) Natural gas is considered the cleanest burning fossil fuel and releases the least amount of carbon emissions into the air, compared to coal and oil, making fracking an appealing option to many. (4) Although it may be cleaner than coal or oil, the sheer number of unmonitored and unlimited wells can pose just as much as a threat to the environment if not regulated properly. Because natural gas is so abundant in residential, industrial, and commercial use, the economy and new technologies are supporting its growth as a leading method to acquire natural resources. At first glance, hydraulic fracturing is innovative, efficient, and accessible.
The modern world has seen a significant surge in the use of fracking to exploit many deposits and reservoirs. Many hydrocarbon and shale reservoirs contain useful resources clamped tightly to the rocks’ pores, so fracking is used to stimulate and increase the flow rate. (2) Many countries use fracking to access vast oil and natural gas reserves that were previously unusable. Not only will most current and future natural gas wells utilize hydraulic fracturing, but also old wells can be revived through fracking.
Hydraulic fracturing is driven and supported by various economic reasons. An abundance of gas from fracking will result in cheaper and cheaper costs. A much-needed increase in employment rate is inevitable with fracking technology, as job opportunities open up for many people. Now, U.S. is the world’s leading natural gas producers, representing about a sixth of the world's total production. (3) Natural gas is considered the cleanest burning fossil fuel and releases the least amount of carbon emissions into the air, compared to coal and oil, making fracking an appealing option to many. (4) Although it may be cleaner than coal or oil, the sheer number of unmonitored and unlimited wells can pose just as much as a threat to the environment if not regulated properly. Because natural gas is so abundant in residential, industrial, and commercial use, the economy and new technologies are supporting its growth as a leading method to acquire natural resources. At first glance, hydraulic fracturing is innovative, efficient, and accessible.
- Between 2005 and 2012, fracking has added around 750,000 jobs nationwide
- Within 100 miles of new production, $1 million of extracted gas and oil contributed to $240,000 in wages, $117,000 in royalties, and 2.5 jobs
- From 2007 to 2013, gas prices have dropped $13 billion per year
- Energy consumers capitalized on economic gains of $74 billion per year (5)
Background:
History
Fracking origins can be traced all the way back to the Civil War. In 1866, Edward Roberts, a veteran soldier, was awarded patent US59936, an improved method of increasing oil well’s capacity. (6) By exploding a torpedo inside a well, then filling the borehole with water, Roberts was able to increase oil production up to 1200%. (7) This “exploding tornado” gave way to modern hydraulic fracturing in the 1930’s, when acid was used instead of explosives. After decades of experiments and research, fracking was adopted for many basins (San Juan, Denver, Green River) by late 20th century. (6)
Causes
If fracking technology has been around for so long, what took so long for everyone to adopt this method? Price vs. production charts in the can help explain the recent fracking boom. Had oil prices not increased up until 2008, the US would not have had to increase oil production rates. (8)
History
Fracking origins can be traced all the way back to the Civil War. In 1866, Edward Roberts, a veteran soldier, was awarded patent US59936, an improved method of increasing oil well’s capacity. (6) By exploding a torpedo inside a well, then filling the borehole with water, Roberts was able to increase oil production up to 1200%. (7) This “exploding tornado” gave way to modern hydraulic fracturing in the 1930’s, when acid was used instead of explosives. After decades of experiments and research, fracking was adopted for many basins (San Juan, Denver, Green River) by late 20th century. (6)
Causes
If fracking technology has been around for so long, what took so long for everyone to adopt this method? Price vs. production charts in the can help explain the recent fracking boom. Had oil prices not increased up until 2008, the US would not have had to increase oil production rates. (8)
Environmental Effects
Despite its economic benefits, fracking has numerous, consequential, environmental effects.
Water Contamination and Waste:
As shown in the video, methane and other toxic matter come in contact with groundwater through hydraulic fracturing. Many cases and studies disclose that the wastewater, that occasionally leak into drinking water supply, contains radioactivity at extreme levels. (9) Not only are methane concentrations rising due to fracking, but also water supply is rapidly decreasing due to unrecovered fracking well water. As many states and areas face droughts or water shortages, the permanent loss of water due to fracking is troubling. (10)
Toxic Atmosphere:
When waste water from fracking evaporates, volatile organic compounds, or VOC’s, enter the Earth’s atmosphere. (9)This can lead to many health problems: cancer, high blood pressure, heart attacks, birth defects, and other respiratory problems. In fact, a Johns Hopkins University research show that radon concentrations in fracking areas are 39 percent higher than non fracking sites. Additionally, methane leaks, common during the fracking process, contribute to global warming. (9)
Seismic Activity:
Although earthquakes are not a direct result of fracking itself, they are caused from the injection of fracking wastewater at levels far below the fracking horizon. (10) There is also a direct relationship between the volume of water injected underground to the size of potential earthquakes. (11) As water fill the pores of stable rocks, the likelihood of slippage increases, thus triggering earthquakes.
As shown in the video, methane and other toxic matter come in contact with groundwater through hydraulic fracturing. Many cases and studies disclose that the wastewater, that occasionally leak into drinking water supply, contains radioactivity at extreme levels. (9) Not only are methane concentrations rising due to fracking, but also water supply is rapidly decreasing due to unrecovered fracking well water. As many states and areas face droughts or water shortages, the permanent loss of water due to fracking is troubling. (10)
Toxic Atmosphere:
When waste water from fracking evaporates, volatile organic compounds, or VOC’s, enter the Earth’s atmosphere. (9)This can lead to many health problems: cancer, high blood pressure, heart attacks, birth defects, and other respiratory problems. In fact, a Johns Hopkins University research show that radon concentrations in fracking areas are 39 percent higher than non fracking sites. Additionally, methane leaks, common during the fracking process, contribute to global warming. (9)
Seismic Activity:
Although earthquakes are not a direct result of fracking itself, they are caused from the injection of fracking wastewater at levels far below the fracking horizon. (10) There is also a direct relationship between the volume of water injected underground to the size of potential earthquakes. (11) As water fill the pores of stable rocks, the likelihood of slippage increases, thus triggering earthquakes.
Numbers
2013 Study by Environment America Research & Policy Center (10)
- 82,000 fracking wells since 2005
- 280 billion gallons of toxic wastewater produced in 2012
- 450,000 tons of air pollution in one year
- 100 million metric tons (CO2 equivalent) of global warming pollution since 2005
- 360,000 acres of land directly damaged since 2005
Looking Ahead
It is clear through the stats that fracking is deeply cemented into the world today. As dependence on fracking increases, an alternative method or a substitute to help wean off of fracking seems unrealistic. Bringing an end to fracking will have devastating economic consequences to the U.S. as natural gas and electricity prices would spike, and many job opportunities will be lost. Unless advancements in technology bring a substitute to fracking, hydraulic fracturing does not seem to be going anywhere soon. And given the loose regulations and vast picture of fracking, the negative climate effects will continue to accelerate. (10)
There are some bright spots in that leaks or seismic activity related to fracking has decreased the past year, largely due to awareness and recognition of the harm fracking brings to the environment. Better regulations and control of fracking are positive signs.
However, if we continue to rely on fracking, our planet will see repercussions of permanent damage. In order to stop fracking use, policy and legislation must be implemented to ban fracking. Policy makers and influential figures must recognize that the current, short-term, economic benefits of fracking is not worth the environmental and social damage in the long run.
In states where fracking is not yet implemented, an immediate ban on fracking is necessary to protect the environment. Furthermore, the government must step up and reduce damage of drilling. For example, there are many loopholes surrounding wastewater, in which some radioactive fluids are ignored by the nation's waste laws. (10) This is unacceptable. Another step is to hold the gas industry responsible for any damage or costs of poorly regulated fracking.
There is potential in strict regulation of fracking. Both Vermont and New York have banned fracking in their states, and major countries like France and Scotland have seen success in temporary bans. (12)
There are some bright spots in that leaks or seismic activity related to fracking has decreased the past year, largely due to awareness and recognition of the harm fracking brings to the environment. Better regulations and control of fracking are positive signs.
However, if we continue to rely on fracking, our planet will see repercussions of permanent damage. In order to stop fracking use, policy and legislation must be implemented to ban fracking. Policy makers and influential figures must recognize that the current, short-term, economic benefits of fracking is not worth the environmental and social damage in the long run.
In states where fracking is not yet implemented, an immediate ban on fracking is necessary to protect the environment. Furthermore, the government must step up and reduce damage of drilling. For example, there are many loopholes surrounding wastewater, in which some radioactive fluids are ignored by the nation's waste laws. (10) This is unacceptable. Another step is to hold the gas industry responsible for any damage or costs of poorly regulated fracking.
There is potential in strict regulation of fracking. Both Vermont and New York have banned fracking in their states, and major countries like France and Scotland have seen success in temporary bans. (12)
Bibliography
- Earthworks Action, Hydraulic Fracturing 101, https://www.earthworksaction.org/issues/detail/hydraulic_fracturing_101#.WLdXbRLytTZ
- Dave Healy, "A Short Summary of Current Knowledge and Potential Environmental Impacts", July, 2012, https://www.epa.ie/pubs/reports/research/sss/UniAberdeen_FrackingReport.pdf
- Rinkesh, "Benefits and Dangers of Fracking", http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/benefits-and-dangers-of-fracking.php
- What Is Fracking?, "Why is Fracking for Natural Gas Important?", http://www.what-is-fracking.com/why-is-fracking-for-natural-gas-important/
- Reuters, "U.S. Fracking Employment Study", November 6, 2015, http://www.reuters.com/article/usa-fracking-employment-study-idUSL8N13159X20151106
- John Manfreda, "Real History of Fracking", April 13, 2015, http://oilprice.com/Energy/Crude-Oil/The-Real-History-Of-Fracking.html
- Edward A. L. Roberts, US 59936 A, https://www.google.com/patents/US59936
- Quarterly US Crude Oil Production VS. WTI Crude Price, http://visual.ly/united-states-quaterly-us-crude-oil-production-vs-wti-crude-price
- Reynard Loki, "8 Dangerous Side Effects of Fracking", April 28, 2015, http://www.alternet.org/environment/8-dangerous-side-effects-fracking-industry-doesnt-want-you-hear-about
- Fracking by the Numbers: Key Impacts of Dirty Drilling at the State and National Level, October, 2013, http://www.environmentamerica.org/sites/environment/files/reports/EA_FrackingNumbers_scrn.pdf
- James Conca, "Connection Between Earthquakes and Fracking", September 7, 2016, https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesconca/2016/09/07/the-connection-between-earthquakes-and-fracking/#75b4b10b6d68
- John Herrick, "New York Joins Vermont in Fracking Ban", December 18, 2014, https://vtdigger.org/2014/12/18/new-york-joins-vermont-fracking-ban/