Fracking continues to be a highly controversial subject. On the one hand we need energy, and the abundant resource of natural gas right on our doorstep burns cleaner than fossil fuels, provides a far cheaper alternative to imported oil, and offers an excellent opportunity to be self-sufficient. But at what expense?

Shale gas is found locked within the deposits of shale formations. The Marcellus Shale formation, is an exceptionally large shale bed that stretches between New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio, and is of particular interest to gas exploration companies due to the deep and even more extensive layer of shale that lies beneath it. However, environmental groups and concerned citizens are strongly opposed to fracking in the area due to concerns that groundwater could become tainted by chemicals and the methane gas itself. Their strong opposition won them a temporary reprieve with a one year moratorium on fracking in the area, however this has recently expired and now they are seeking to place a ban on the disposal of fracking waste in the area.

The Process OF Hydro Fracking

The Upper Delaware River, recognized as America's most endangered river in 2010 by the NGO American Rivers, is one of many rivers in the country that are threatened by the environmental impact of hydro-fracking. It is feared that the methods used to extract gas using hydro-fracturing techniques have the potential to introduce toxic chemicals into the river and groundwater. The Delaware River supplies drinking water to more than 15.6 million US citizens, and there are concerns that fracking could contaminate the water supply putting the health of people dependent on this water source at risk.

Water Contamination As A Result

Hydro-fracking is a process of extracting natural gas trapped within fissures and pockets within rock (shale) formations. This process involves pumping a toxic brew of chemicals mixed with water and sand, into the ground at an extremely high pressure, which then fractures the underground fissures, forcing the gas trapped within to the surface.

Millions of gallons of this toxic brew are pumped into these gas wells to extract the gas, and the concern is that this chemical laden concoction can only be bad for the environment and human health. Energy companies are not required to divulge what chemicals they use, because the chemicals used by individual gas companies during the exploration process is considered a trade secret, despite the dangers. Furthermore, heavy metals and other toxic substances that occur naturally within rock and sediments, including lead, arsenic, benzene, mercury, radium, chromium, strontium, barium, and m,p-Xylene, can be forced out during this process to contaminate the surrounding soil and nearby water sources. The potential impact on the natural environment and on human health and safety is significant, yet citizens are completely oblivious as to what chemicals their water may be contaminated with, or what they are being exposed to.

Another concern is that methane gas that is forced through fissures in the rock can also make its way into groundwater systems, rivers, or private wells. Explosions have occurred, and as we've reported in the past, some water sources have such a high gas content that they can literally be set on fire! Levels of methane gas in water are not currently monitored, and there is little information on the health risks associated with consuming water that is tainted with methane.

The Leftover Fracking Sludge

According to the EPA, up to five million gallons of water can be used in a single horizontal gas well during the hydro-fracking process. This contaminated water and sludge has to go somewhere. While gas companies are supposed to ensure that their fracking waste is treated responsibly, environmental groups and local residents are concerned that there isn't sufficient facilities to cope with the amount of waste water and solids. New Jersey residents are particularly uneasy following their experiences with Hurricane Sandy, where sewage treatment facilities overflowed, contaminating local waterways and groundwater. If these waste treatment plants were treating fracking waste at the time, the consequences could have been devastating.

If you live in an area where fracking is taking place and have no idea what you and your family are being exposed to, we recommend taking precautions to protect your health by filtering your drinking water with a good quality home water filter to remove any toxic chemicals, heavy metals and VOCs that may be present.