Fracking has become a major issues not only in the United States, but throughout the world. With the recent fracking boom in North America, ranging from south central Canada to Texas, the topic has become more of a controversy. There is a thin line balancing the environmental and economic impact. In the end, fracking adjusts to both sides and should be implemented around the globe. Hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking, is the process of sending high pressure fluid mixtures, made up of water, sand, and chemical additives, to created hairline fractures in rocks. Below the surface there are large formations of sandstone, limestone, and shale deposits. These rocks contain natural gas and were formed by dead organisms as they decompose. Fracking then comes into use to fracture the rocks and release the gases inside.
Fracking has been used in the U.S. since
…show more content…
The fluid used in fracking is 99.5 percent of sand and water, only 0.5 percent is additional chemicals (Loris). Each chemical used has specific function and some applications are reducing friction, preventing corrosion, and blocking bacteria growth. Industry does not hide any of the chemicals they use. By law, each company provides detailed information on the chemicals used and is regulated by the both the U.S. Department of Energy and Groundwater Protection Council (Williamson). This information is available to the public and can be found at FracFocus.org.
Another claim is that wastewater is not properly managed, unregulated, and harmful to the environment. Companies recycle and dispose of wastewater is many ways, all of the which meet state and federal laws. The leftover wastewater is collected and either recycled at sewage treatment plants or stored underground in steel tanks or pits. The EPA regulates these actions under the Safe Drinking Water Act and holds all companies accountable (Hydraulic