Petroleum and Uranium Extraction Hydraulic Fracturing

Since its use on the massive scale in 2003, hydraulic fracturing has become a very controversial topic. This process, also known as â€Å"fracking†, is a means obtaining deep deposits of petroleum, and uranium-bearing solution but most notably natural gas. This is achieved through drilling long horizontal shafts down to various rock formations, and pumping highly pressurized water, chemicals, or sand slurry into the well, fracturing the surrounding rock, and letting the desired resources flow freely. Many experts attest to the fact that fracking is a safe alternative to oil, with an abundance that will alleviate the stress on the US economy and lift its independence on the global oil market. However true these statements may be, the fact that oil companies careless practices, combined with unknown risks and the fact that natural gas will just offset the need for power, makes it dangerous, and an unfit replacement for oil. Without proper regulation, research, and precautions, hydraulic fracturing should be banned not only due to its harmful nature, but the tendency for leaks, and no long term economic benefits. Shale gas procured from fracking is directly below ground water deposits (aquifers). Those supporting fracking claim that, simply due to geology, it is impossible for a crack thousand of feet below a aquifer to spread all the way up and contaminate it with hydraulic fluids or gas. This is true, not only on the geological lever, but due to the fact that the fluid that couldShow MoreRelatedOil And Gas Industry : A Canadian Necessity2858 Words   |  12 Pagesalternatives. Without the oil and gas industry the federal government of Canada would be required to rework its’ equalization plan, and all Canadians as a result would see a decrease in economic prosperity even in regions not directly tied to the extraction of non-renewable natural resources. The cost-benefit of the oil and gas industry as it presently stands is beneficial to the majority of Canadians. A reversal on the dependence on oil in Canada is possible, but unrealistic. The environmental impactsRead MoreThe History Of Colorado919 Words   |  4 PagesColorado. Ranking sixth in the U.S in terms of natural gas production and seventh in crude oil (Ross, 2015). The presence of shale gas has been around for decades but substantial financial costs and technological difficulties combined with its extraction have been considered uneconomical up until recently. Lagging supply and increased demand has caused the price of gas to skyrocket, presenting shale gas as a viable alternative (Hester, 2014). While the cost of fracking has decreased and advancesRead MoreHydraulic Fracturing : Get The Fracts ! Essay2103 Words   |  9 PagesHydraulic Fracturing Pollution: Get the â€Å"Fracts†! A growing concern with meeting future resource demands has made energy a pivotal commodity in today’s global economy. The introduction of; methods that conserve exhaustible resources, as well as, the use of renewable resources, have sought to solve the impending energy crisis. In recent years, one technological advancement that has been beneficial in the search for an alternative a renewable energy source is, Hydraulic fracturing or â€Å"fracking†. HydraulicRead MoreEssay on Nuclear Energy as an Alternative for Fossil Fuels2822 Words   |  12 Pagesseek out fossil fuels in an unprecedented way. For instances, recently the U.S has went to hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states in their article Natural Gas Extraction- Hydraulic Fracturing, The U.S. has vast reserves of natural gas that are commercially viable as a result of advances in horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing technologies enab ling greater access to gas in shale formations. (EPA) Fossil fuels suchRead MoreShells Alternative Business Models: Fracking2361 Words   |  10 PagesCarlos Moura EGS Individual Assignment Shell’s Alternative Business Models: Hydraulic Fracturing Table of Contents 1. Forward 2 2. Context 3 3. Hydraulic Fracturing 4 4. Actors 4.1. Shell 5 . 4.2. Community 6 4.3. Government 7 5. The opponents perspective 7 6. Conclusion 9 7. References 10 Word count: 1980 (excluding Table of Contents and References) 1. Forward