An Introduction to Fracking

What are the types of fracking?

One type of fracking is hydraulic fracturing, which is the most common type of fracking. This type of fracking involves pumping a mixture of water, sand, and chemicals into the ground at high pressure in order to create fractures in the rock formation. This allows the natural gas or oil to be released and collected.

Another type of fracking is acid fracturing, which is used to dissolve the rock formation and release natural gas or oil. This type of fracking involves pumping an acid solution into the ground at high pressure in order to dissolve the rock formation and release the natural gas or oil. This type of fracking is often used in areas where the rock formation is too hard for hydraulic fracturing to be effective.

Benefits

Energy Independence

One of the primary advantages of fracking is increased energy independence. By tapping into shale rock formations, the US has been able to reduce its dependence on foreign oil and natural gas. This has allowed the country to become more self-sufficient and less reliant on other countries for its energy needs.

Economic Impact

The increased production of oil and natural gas has led to lower energy prices, stimulating economic growth. Oil production has also resulted in higher tax revenue for local and state governments due to the land used for fracking operations. The increased production of oil and natural gas has led to lower energy prices, which has helped stimulate economic growth.

Pros and Cons of Fracking

Pros

• Increased Energy Production: Fracking has significantly boosted U.S. oil and natural gas production, making the country a leader in energy production and a net exporter of natural gas. This has enhanced energy independence in the country.
• Economic Benefits: The fracking industry has created millions of jobs and stimulated economic growth, particularly in rural areas. It has also led to lower energy prices for consumers and businesses.
• Cleaner Energy: Fracking has facilitated a shift from coal to natural gas, which burns cleaner and produces fewer harmful emissions. This transition has also improved air quality and reduced carbon dioxide emissions.

Cons:

• Environmental Concerns: Fracking poses risks to groundwater contamination and air pollution. The chemicals used in the process can seep into water supplies, and methane emissions contribute to increased greenhouse gasses.
• Induced Seismic Activity: The disposal of wastewater from fracking has been linked to increased seismic activity, leading to concerns about earthquakes in areas where fracking occurs.
• High Water Usage: Fracking consumes large quantities of water, which can strain local water resources, especially in arid regions.
• Cost: Fracking typically costs more compared to other drilling techniques due to higher equipment costs, operational costs, compliance, and water resources.

Risks and How to Mitigate Them

It’s also worth noting the various disadvantages of fracking. Despite the potential economic benefits, fracking has been linked to a number of environmental risks as well as a number of health risks. Here are some of them:

Seismic Activity and Land Disruption

The process of fracking involves injecting large amounts of water and chemicals into the ground, which can cause small earthquakes. These earthquakes can cause damage to nearby structures and can also lead to the release of hazardous materials from underground.

Since the process of fracking requires large amounts of land, this can lead to the destruction of natural habitats. Additionally, the chemicals used in the process can contaminate the soil and water, making it difficult for plants and animals to survive in the area.

Pollution

One of the risks when fracking for natural gas is its ability to pollute air and water, which can endanger humans, wildlife, and the environment. Since the method of fracking can release hazardous chemicals, it can cause cancer, skin diseases, asthma, and other respiratory illnesses in humans. On the other hand, wildlife safety is threatened when streams, rivers, and other bodies of water are contaminated by fracking fluid.

Damage to Water Resources

One of the most significant risks is the potential for contamination of groundwater. Fracking involves the injection of large amounts of water, sand, and chemicals like methane into the ground. And if these chemicals are not properly contained, they can seep into nearby groundwater supplies.

Some of the common steps that fracking companies can take in mitigating these risks are:

• conducting Job Hazard Analysis (JHAs) and risk assessments before starting operations; and
• assigning dedicated personnel to resolve issues and implementing corrective and preventive actions identified during site inspections.

Fracking companies’ safety officers can also opt to take training courses and certification programs to advance their knowledge and expertise in fracking safety. Resources like training courses from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are good options.

How Does Fracking Work?

Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, is a technique used to extract oil and natural gas from underground rock formations. The process involves the following steps:

1. Drilling : Once the fracking site is inspected and confirmed for operation, a hole is drilled into the shale rock. The drill is gradually turned horizontally to extend the borehole and access more gas.
2. Injection of Fracking Fluid : After, the fracking fluid (a combination of water, sand, chemicals, and other materials) is injected into the well using high pressure. The fracking fluid then causes the shale rock to crack. This creates fissures that serve as passageways for the trapped gas to escape.
3. Extraction : Once the pressure is released, the fractures remain open due to the sand particles in the fracking fluid, facilitating the flow of hydrocarbons into the wellbore. The extracted oil and gas are brought to the surface, where they can be processed and transported.

Fracking Regulations

In different parts of the world, the practice of fracking is regulated, seen, and managed uniquely. For an overview, here’s how these countries and unions are:

US

Fracking regulations in the U.S. vary by state. Some states impose strict regulations, requiring companies to obtain permits after reviewing potential environmental impacts, while others have less oversight.

At the federal level, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforces regulations on air and water quality and mandates disclosure of chemicals used in fracking.

These regulations are continually evolving based on new information about fracking’s environmental risks. Companies must stay updated on compliance, and citizens should remain informed to protect their local environment.

United Kingdom

In the UK, shale gas activity is still in the exploration stage according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Moreover, the UK recently lifted the pause on shale gas extraction and fracking ban amidst the energy price crisis to help achieve its aim of energy independence by 2040.

Any fracking operations in the UK, being regulated by the Oil and Gas Authority (OGA), can’t push through without going through rigorous health and safety, environmental, and planning permission protocols.

Australia

In Australia, all oil and gas exploration and extraction activities are regulated at the State or Territory level. On the other hand, offshore petroleum activities in Commonwealth waters are regulated at the Commonwealth/Federal level.

European Union (EU)

EU policies revolving around fracking encourage its member states, including Finland, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, among others, to comply with the minimum principles and practices as they apply their relevant legislation related to the hydraulic fracturing process.