That Marcellus shale region is massive. Enough to provide for NYS for 1000 years.
From what I hear, most of the problems stem not from the fracking fluids, but from natural deposits that are released as a result of the drilling. I used to a skeptic of these complaints, but lately some of the complaints seem valid. I’m a big supporter of nat gas here in PA, but if a company ruins a domestic well, they should fix it.
If we were to discover an immense reserve of conventional petroleum in the continental United States these same people would be out banging their drum about the many reasons we must not use it. The one thing they can not say is their real reason for their opposition to our use of our resources...their goal is to further deindustrialize the nation in the name of their sustainable no-growth religion.
Thankfully in Pennsylvania our Governor and most of our officials recognize the value in this. Not that the Enviros aren’t still trying to monkeywrench it.
In the old days of shallow drinking wells on farms, it was well known that one could suffocate from gas in the well.
Experienced workers would always go down with a rope around them and a competent worker to pull them out.
These were 30 and 50 ft. wells.
So methane is where you find it.
What do you think the old days of the canary in the coal mine was all about?
Tree hugger scare tactics is what it is all about.
“Opponents of gas exploration have time and again raised the ghastly specter of chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing (or fracking) contaminating water supplies.”
Fine. Let them read by candle light and heat their homes with wood burning stoves.
Here is an opportunity... a separator tank for every home so the gas can be used for energy and the water is still potable!
The “Frackarator”... (inventors take note :)