Air pollution and the shale industry: 8 facts
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Numerous studies have focused on the effects that shale oil and gas drilling have on the environment. Recently, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection released shale gas industry air emissions data from 2013.
Public Source developed interactive charts that break down the data, which shows how emissions increased from 2012 to 2013, while methane emissions decreased. The charts also show data from individual counties and drilling companies.
Emissions data can be accessed on the Pennsylvania DEP’s website.
Via: Public Source > 8 facts about the shale gas industry’s air pollution
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Shale FAQ
What is fracking?
Fracking is a slang term for hydraulic fracturing. Fracturing is a process by which highly pressurized fluid is pumped thousands of feet into the ground to fracture rock formations. The goal is to release the natural gas that’s locked inside the rock.
Is it safe?
What most concerns people about fracturing is ground water contamination. The worry is that fractures underground, caused by the process, will extending upwards and into aquifers, releasing gas and chemicals into the ground water supply. There’s been no confirmed reports of such a thing happening. Though surface spills and drill site blowouts can lead to localized environmental concerns.
Will my water catch on fire?
Flammable water is caused by the release of methane gas into a drinking water supply. Methane gas occurs naturally and can be released by any kind of drilling, including water wells. In Pennsylvania officials fined Chesapeake Energy $1 million for contaminating ground water with methane. It was determined that the company had not properly cemented it’s boreholes and gas migrated up the well, between rock and into aquifers.