Research
Abstract
Increasing global energy needs have demanded an alternative
to conventional collection methods for natural gas and oil sources. Tapping into shale deposits and liberating
trapped gas by hydraulic fracturing has created jobs, supplied a rich source of
energy, and provided economic stability and independence from the need of
foreign product. Hydraulic fracturing
has been met with opposition in terms of socioeconomic concerns, geological
disturbances and great repercussions from broad ecological concerns to
environmental challenges at the well site and surrounding spatial
connections.
For this topic, we will explore the positive energy gain
versus the negative impact of hydraulic fracturing on the environment. The
research will investigate the methods, collection practices and production for
shale gas drilling, as well as the post-production clean up and management of
well sites with a focus on the public health impacts and environmental concerns
of hydraulic fracturing practices. The study
will attempt to answer: Is the short term economic and energy independence
gain, worth the long-term environmental risk?
Research Methods
Geo-spatial data was collected and
analyzed from the U.S. 2010 Census, North Dakota Industrial Commission, Department
of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas Division website, and the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection – Oil and Gas Reporting website. In addition, data was collected for the areas
examined in this study on related seismic activity covering the last ten years,
as well as data from public health studies that examined health issues related
to chemicals found in fracturing fluid.
GIS technology was utilized and raw
data was imported into ArcGIS 10.1 to create several maps to illustrate real world
information based upon hydraulic fracturing operations located in the State of
North Dakota and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The maps were enhanced to
exemplify the magnitude of fracking within these regions and aid the map reader
to the elements that carry significant weight for this study.
