Hydraulic Fracturing Q & A's

What is hydraulic fracturing?
Hydraulic fracturing is a nearly 60-year-old proven technology used to produce oil and natural gas. It involves pumping a water-sand mixture into rock formations where the oil or gas is trapped. The pressure of the water creates tiny fissures in the rock. The sand holds open the fissures, allowing the oil or gas to escape and flow up the well.  

Is hydraulic fracturing widely used?
Yes and its use is likely to increase.A government-industry study found that 60 percent to 80 percent of natural gas wells drilled in the next decade will require hydraulic fracturing.

Why is hydraulic fracturing important?
It enables production of more oil and natural gas, reducing dependence on foreign sources of energy and creating more jobs for Americans. It’s an indispensable technology for producing much of our natural gas, which heats millions of homes and generates a substantial amount of the nation’s electricity. Natural gas also powers many buses, cars and trucks and provides feed stocks for manufacturing fertilizer and a wide range of other industrial and consumer products. When burned for energy, natural gas emits substantially less air pollution and greenhouse gases than other fossil fuels. 

Doesn’t hydraulic fracturing present a serious threat to the environment?
No. The environmental track record is good, and the technology is employed under close regulatory supervision. Hydraulic fracturing has been used in nearly one million wells in the United States with minimal environmental impacts, as studies by the U.S. EPA and the Ground Water Protection Council have confirmed.

How are the fluids kept away from aquifers and drinking water wells?
Wells are drilled away from drinking water wells. Also, fracturing usually occurs at depths well below where usable groundwater is likely to be found. Finally, when a well is drilled, steel casing and surrounding layers of concrete are installed to provide a safe barrier to protect usable water. 

Who regulates hydraulic fracturing?
There are multiple federal, state and local government rules addressing environmental protection during oil and gas operations, including the protection of water resources. These rules cover well permitting, well materials and construction, safe disposition of used hydraulic fracturing fluids, water testing, and chemical recordkeeping and reporting.   

Isn’t there a risk that hydraulic fracturing will use up an area’s water supplies?
No. Local authorities control water use and can restrict it if necessary. In many areas, water is recycled and reused; in some cases companies pay for the water they use, which comes from a variety of sources.   

Why should people allow hydraulic fracturing?
Besides the energy produced with little impact on the environment, communities benefit economically. Energy development creates jobs and generates millions of dollars in royalties, taxes and other revenues to federal, state, and local governments. It provides energy for U.S. industry and helps strengthen our economy locally and nationally.