Research finds link between groundwater contamination and shale, legacy energy development in Pa.
Thursday, September 22, 2022
Penn State scientists have discovered fracking for oil and natural gas in regions of Pennsylvania with a legacy of energy extraction may increase the risk of groundwater contamination, according to Phys.org.
Researchers have uncovered a link between elevated chloride levels in groundwater in areas where horizontal drilling overlaps with a high density of conventional oil and gas wells and coal mining in southwestern Pennsylvania.
However, researchers did not observe the same connection in northeast Pennsylvania, which also experienced the Marcellus Shale boom, but does not have the same history of intensive energy extraction via conventional oil and gas wells and coal mining.
Learn more: Phys.org > Research links shale gas, legacy energy development to groundwater contamination
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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.