Fracking Fluids Could Contaminate Freshwater Aquifers, Says Study

[teko]

The chemical-laced water used in hydraulic fracturing can migrate through fractures and faults up to overlying aquifers in as little as tens of years. Published in the peer-reviewed Ground Water, this study raises renewed questions about the potential for hydraulic fracturing to fundamentally alter shale rock formations and the hydrogeologic cycle in ways that could affect freshwater drinking supplies.

There are also concerns that improperly sealed or unsealed abandoned drilling wells and naturally occurring fractures and faults will offer a path to connect gas bearing shale layers with overlying freshwater aquifers.

A common response by the oil/gas industry to this concern is that upward migration of deep, thermogenic methane gas and chemicals used in the fracturing process is impossible, due to layers and layers of impermeable rock that prevent such movement.

The problem, some hydrogeologists say, is the industry is offering little to no data to support this argument. While the ability of shale to transmit fluids (its permeability) is about 1,000 times less than that of sandstone aquifers, hydrogeologists say the entire purpose of hydraulic fracturing is to increase the permeability of shale rock to allow the "trapped" methane gas to leak out, mainly into the more permeable overlying rock layers. Pre-existing fractures provide such a pathway.

In addition to the above concerns and debates, up to a third of the toxic fluid used in hydraulic fracturing will resurface, as well as naturally occurring and extremely salty brine, or "produced water." The high amounts of the resulting contaminated wastewater has raised its own challenges around disposal and treatment, as well as the potential for water contamination from spills.

Some think that what is already known about well casing failures is enough to put a hold on unconventional drilling: "Why would anyone risk our aquifers for a few years of profits?

http://bart-gruzalskibartgruzalski.newsvine.com/_news/2012/05/18/11758804-breaking-fracking-fluids-could-contaminate-freshwater-aquifers-says-study

[teko]

I read an article a couple of months back that said in Ohio, they are pumping fracking waste into these deep wells. So many thousands of pounds each day and they think this has resulted in increased earthquakes in the region. I dont think this has been a great experience for America and is why I want them to stop, think and listen when contemplating the pipeline that is so controversial. This is a very good example of why.

There needs to be much more regulation put in place to monitor this practice. Once you let the horse out of the barn you cannot go back. We are killing our water supply, our very lifesource.

[brice1967]

This is a giant problem around here.  People have had their water tested and have found all kinds of wonderful things in it.  

The good folks of Pavillion, Wyoming have been fighting the big gas and oil outfits for a long time.  These poor folks are having to truck in potable water.  If they turn on the faucet, the water is either flamable or they can fill the house with noxious fumes.  It's a mess, and of course the oil and gas outfits know nothing.  They've got a million excuses, but they will not take an ounce of the blame.  Pitiful.... and whats worse is, they have a lot more money than the dirt farmers, so keeping this in litigation works in their favor.

Google Pavillion, Wyoming and start poking around.  

[orphanedhawk]

Could ? Have you heard of the people who's water is no longer drinkable due to fracking ?
The corporation don't reveal what chemicals they use to put in the earth.
This is the result of deregulation.