Politics muddy debate over hydraulic fracturing risks

Drilling Contractor ^ | May 4, 2011 | Diane Langley

[CedarDave]

Besides exploring for and producing energy resources, the energy industry is tasked with debunking myths and clarifying techniques used in hydraulic fracturing. ...

According to proponents of hydraulic fracturing, the facts surrounding chemical use are clear – water and sand comprise the majority of the mixture used. The remaining components used to deliver the water down the wellbore and position the sand in fractures created in the formation – while they can probably be found in the kitchen cupboard – are proprietary ingredients.

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“This is really a debate on a much larger scale; it has a bearing on the future of gas and perhaps oil as well,” Lee Fuller, vice president for government relations for the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA), said. “The history of fracturing as an environmental issue is one that has shown that it has been effectively regulated, that the technology hasn’t created any environmental risks that haven’t been well managed. It’s a very benign history. I’ve been involved in environmental debates for 30-some years, and I’ve never seen a technology that has a more well-defined and effective construct associated with its regulation that has been characterized as such a threat. And that tells me that we’re really not dealing with fracturing here; we’re dealing with fracturing because it is such a linchpin to the development of American natural gas and oil resources. If fracturing can be inhibited in some way, this will inhibit all production.”

“The risk is being grossly misstated in an effort to terrorize communities and demean state regulators,” he continued. “What’s at stake is whether we’re willing as a nation to develop our resources. ...

[CedarDave]

Well written detailed article that lays out the myths and facts about hydraulic fracturing. And as some of those interviewed say, its an anti-energy agenda by environmentalists to shut down production of hydrocarbons in this country.

[Oldexpat]

The secret ingredientis dish washing liquid. Millions of gallons of it already go into our water supply.

[doc11355]

Here's a great graphic from the article for your reference: