Recent EPA findings in central
Wyoming have linked hydraulic fracturing of the earth by natural gas companies
to ground water contamination. The process of fracking is “the propagation of
fractures in a rock layer, as a result of the action of a pressurized fluid” (Wikipedia).
This opens up a hole which allows gas companies to access natural gas deposits
in the earth. EPA tests in the city of Pavillion, Wyoming have tested positive
for chemicals known to be used in the fracking process. Samples showed traces
of synthetic compounds, like glycol ethers, in addition to many other organic
compounds used for fracking. The town has been facing dirtied brown drinking
water since fracking began in the area. The natural gas companies actually began
providing water to local residents to continue their drilling. As the issue
became even greater, The EPA declared the drinking water no longer suitable for
consumption and warned the public about the production of flammable methane in
the water.
The gas
companies deny the release of hydraulic liquids and insist the process is safe
and prevents any contamination. They claim any contamination is from oil and
gas waste pits left by previous companies. These companies refuse to release
the composition of their hydraulic fluid, so it is unclear whether the contaminates
found are a match. Despite this, the topic has come to the attention of
Washington. Debates have broken out in Congress, with some politicians
dismissing it as preposterous while others push for the regulation of the
fracking process. It can be assumed that regulations on fracking will soon be
much tighter for the sake of human health.
While we
still have an insatiable need for natural resources such as natural gas, these
resources must be acquired in a safe manner with minimal interruption to the
earth or ecosystems. It is unfair and immoral to tear up the earth in search of
gas, poisoning the soil and the drinking water of local residences. I have no
problem with enacting restrictions on fracking to maintain a safe and clean
drinking water supply. As the push is made towards renewable sources of energy
are made, the need for natural gas and fracking will begin to decline, and
water systems will no longer be in danger of contamination. Even so, until this
point is reached, great care must be taken to prevent tainting the only source
of fresh water for many people across the globe.
Works Cited
"Hydraulic
Fracturing." Wikipedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Sept. 2012.
Lustgarten,
Abrahm, Nicholas Kusnetz, and ProPublica. "EPA: Natural Gas Fracking
Linked to Water Contamination." Scientific American. Nature America, Inc.,
n.d. Web. 27 Sept. 2012.
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