Fracking* fluids, or fracturing fluids, are fluids that are pumped into the ground to break up rocks and increase oil production in a process known as hydraulic fracking. Around 90 percent of all oil and gas wells in the U.S. uses this process.
The problem is, these fracking fluids are extremely toxic and go largely unregulated. Yet, millions of gallons of these fluids are used every years, and there are hundreds of reported spills.The EPA, however, says that fracking fluids are safe for the environment and groundwater, even though this is clearly not the case. Check out this Newsweek article on the health and environmental effects of fracking, and story of one woman who got poisoned by exposure to fracking fluids.
The upside is that in yet another example of states stepping in where EPA fails, Colorado has just announced it will be issuing regulations on fracking fluid. Yay, Colorado!
*Brian has pointed out that frack is also a swear word commonly used on Battlestar Galactica. For all my sci-fi geek fans (Megan), I apologize for the confusion.
Monday, August 25, 2008
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1 comments:
First, gotta love Battlestar Galatica! Great show!
Secondly, an alternative to fracturing fluids is use of harnessed carbon. In fact, it is often used to recover oil and gas. Some experiments are approaching the sticky situation today by pumping carbon dioxide back into the mine or borehole. This action simply displaces the methane, allowing it to be harnessed, while the carbon locks back up to the coal within the mine or borehole.
Regards,
Sustaino
www.sustain.blogspot.com
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