HYDRAULIC FRACTURING

What is it? And why is it controversial?

By Mr. Warner

HYDRAULIC FRACTURING

Definition: The process of breaking apart (fracturing) shale rock by pressurized water in order to access oil and natural gas.Sometimes referred to as “fracking”.Hydraulic fracturing is done in order to get gas and oil that is otherwise inaccessible. Hydraulic fracturing involves horizontal drilling in addition to vertical drilling.

Shale is a type of sedimentary rock, which can contain fossils.

Tower for drilling horizontally into a shale formation. (Marcellus Shale Formation, Pennsylvania)

MAP OF U .S . FRACKING LOCATIONSThe largest location of oil and natural gas found in shale deposits is located very close to where we live.

Shale Layer

Water Table

1. A high pressure fracturing fluid (water and sand/aluminum oxide) is shot down 1,000s of meters into the ground to the shale layer

2. Once the fracturing fluid reaches the shale layer, the pipes in the well turn sideways to access the oil and natural gas stored up in the shale layer.

3. High pressure fluid then shoots out of the pipe, fracturing the shale. Fine particles, like sand or aluminum oxide, are shot into the fractures to keep the shale open.

4. Oil and natural gas then flows into the pipe and back up the well.

BENEFITSEconomic:

• Creation of jobs for US citizensResource Acquisition:

• Access to coal, oil, and natural gas, which are non-renewable/limited resources.

Shale Layer

Water Table

However, environmental concerns exist throughout the hydraulic fracturing process. Such as…

1.Wastewater runoff

2. Air pollution

3. Methane and fracturing fluid leaking into the water supply

THE ETHICAL QUESTION

What do you think should be done concerning hydraulic fracturing?

• Should the government get involved and limit hydraulic fracturing in order to protect the environment?

• Or…• Should the government not get involved so the

economy is not damaged?