Hydraulic fracturing, the process of extracting Natural gas by way of using water to ……which already has issues in regards to environmental safety. A major issue early on was natural gas seeping into the water table creating flammable tap water. A report on the environmental impacts of fracking in Pennsylvania stating that fracking currently adds 4% to the air pollution in Pennsylvania is met by the insightful statement from the industry that "Although these are a small percentage of total emissions, natural gas producers continue to leverage new technologies aimed at further reducing the industry’s environmental footprint.".
This coincides with news that issues with hydraulic fracturing water go beyond the water table. The shale that is being broken up to release the gas is rich in radium and barium and as a result the water that is used and waste water generated from the process is radioactive.
Within the same week news broke that waste water was being illegally dumped in Ohio. CEO of D&L Energy says he ordered the dumping but has plead not guilty to violating Clean Water Act (link). Mr Burns would be proud.
Now I don’t believe there to be any possible positive results from there irresponsible (and illegal actions) but maybe there is a hope from within the industry that people are more accepting of 3 eyed fish. Or better still, they are attempting to bring about the golden age of super heroes. If not then the questions continue: How can anyone support the industry?
Does anyone in the industry live in the place where drilling is taking place? Would they ever allow it to happen around them? Doubtful.
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