Posted on 12/23/2011 6:52:20 AM PST by SeekAndFind
s fracking environmentally safe?
That's a key question surrounding the fast-growing method of gas and oil extraction-and one that's triggered debate since the process became more economically viable.
It isn't hard to see where the concerns come from: The fracking process involves injection of fluids-mostly sandy water, but some chemicals as well-to bore holes in rock, releasing trapped gas and oil. The fluids are then pumped out of the well, treated and disposed (or possibly, reused). Few take issue with the injected water and sand. But the chemicals have long been a source of contentious debate.
The anti-fracking crowd argues these chemicals-which many companies have historically not disclosed publicly-can seep into the ground water, harming the environment and, occasionally, polluting drinking water. The documentary Gasland depicts this starkly-showing murky and flammable water pouring out of taps into would-be drinkers' glasses. Now, Gasland isn't exactly a scientific review. And more scientific approaches to date haven't supported many of the movie's assertions.
Industry experts point out frack wells are generally drilled thousands of feet below the water table, making the thesis chemicals leak into ground water unlikely to be broadly true. Not to mention myriad safety measures taken to prevent possible leakage-like cementing and sealing well walls. But of course, none of that means issues aren't possible.
As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been studying the subject. Recently, it announced the results of a study of one Wyoming region that showed chemicals and natural gas existed at a depth only slightly below the water table-and groundwater was shown to contain chemicals found at the bottom of gas wells. So that proves it, right?
CLICK ABOVE LINK FOR THE REST
” Is Hydraulic Fracturing Environmentally Safe? “
Doesn’t matter - EPA had decided that it *should be* unsafe, regardless of the science, and that’s that....
Properly conducted, yes.
'Gasland' is a hit piece full of crap.
Ya don't say?
The tap water in question wasn't even from an area where fracking was happening.
So Gasland isn't just non-scientific, it is an out-and-out lie. Something not hard to research. And apparently beyond the capabilities of this writer.
Yes. Next question.
Then, shortly after the formation is isolated at a depth of around 8,000 feet, (Vertical Depth) using a packer set above the production zone (8 to 7,000’ TVD) to keep the pressure concentrated on the formation bearing the hydrocarbons, do they create pressure to fracture the formation.
They fracture it for a very short distance, with a radius of about 100 feet or less. They then force the sand into the fractures to keep them from closing back up.
After fracking is complete, once the well is placed into production, all of the fluids used to frack, are immediately (and naturally) purged from the well, ahead of the gas or oil, where it is safely recovered at the surface to be used again and again. None of the “chemicals” from the process can be left in the ground, The formation pressures won't allow that to happen, due to the laws of physics.
These infamous wells in Wyoming, are the result of natural occurrence of Coal Methane for thousands of years and the “Chemicals” are all found in oil and methane everywhere. This has been repeatedly debunked, but the EPA and the idiot “Green” lobby are still deaf, dumb and blind.
RE: Is the Pope Polish?
So your answer is NO? The Pope is German.
Well said Uncle Ike.
The EPA thinks it’s unsafe and they will look for the facts to support how they think and ignore everything else. Kinda like global cooling, excuse me, global warming, excuse me, climate change.
Hmmmm? Would someone show me anything that is TOTALLY safe? Risk is a part of life. After working on the Space Shuttle program for 36+ years, we always made monumental efforts to be a safe as you can possibly be. Of course then Mr. Murphy rears his head and reality set in. Of course there are times when people would rather take short cuts but anybody with any integrity should bring this to someones attention and try to stop the shortcuts if they are unsafe. Always learning!!!!
Merry Christmas to all and to all a prosperous New Year!!!!!
frac baby frac!
If we had all current regulations back in the 1800’s, very little land would have been allowed to be homesteaded; trees cleared; prairie broken, and farmed.
Our nation would not exist.
San Francisco Bay has been filled in in places (wetland there “destroyed”). Many other similar things have happened that would not be allowed today.
Well, according to CSI, fracking is causing ground water poisoning. You know that television always gets the last word. Why bother with reading pro and con articles on the benefits or detriments of fracking when you can sit back, munch popcorn and have your mind made up for you by the Hollywood propaganda machine.
You have to wonder exactly how this works. Are the writers, directors or producers in direct contact with the White House or the Democrat National Commitee? Why not? We know that the White House is passing talking points directly to the information media since they are on record repeating the exact same expressions six, seven or eight times.
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