Fracking is becoming a 'buzz' subject within the environmental realm. Although it seems to have the potential to provide a vast new 'untapped' resource of natural gas [e.g. shale gas and coal bed methane], the associated environmental costs related to this pathway cannot be overlooked. The process itself, often defined as hydraulic fracturing, is a technique of natural gas extraction that is being employed in well drilling. It involves the induced propogation of fractures in sub-ground level rock/shale strata by forcing or injecting water, sands, and chemicals under high pressure. Essentially, this causes fractures to form, in turn allowing natural gas to more freely flow from the well. Ultimately, this can occur through a vertical or horizontal fracking process, with the vertical process being used to extend the life of existing wells, and the horizontal process being utilised to exploit shale deposits containing natural gas that were previously inaccessible by conventional drilling techniques. Either way, it seems both the environment and local communities are feeling the effects of this dirty and unsustainable process.
A range of environmental issues have emerged in relation to fracking, but perhaps the most significant is the seepage of toxic chemicals and methane into groundwater aquifers, which in turn has a detrimental effect on drinking water sources for human consumption. Once again, it seems that politicians and energy departments are focusing on the economic benefits of resource exploitation, and still fail to consider the risks posed to the natural environment, on which human life depends. Last time I checked - we can't drink bank notes!
