Fracking

            Fracking is the process of pumping a mixture of chemicals into the ground at high pressure in order to loosen the rock and release trapped oil and gas. In the article “EPA: Natural Gas Fracking Linked to Water Contamination,” a new EPA study was described. The new study found that fracking fluids were in fact leaking out of the oil wells and into the ground water.  Synthetic compounds thought to be from fracking fluids were detected in the groundwater around the town of Pavilion, Wyoming.  

            The most disturbing thing about the EPA study, is how mixed up in politics the science is. Somehow, merely challenging the position that fracking is safe can create political firestorm with people taking sides. It seems as though many are more concerned about profits than they are about major pollution. It seems logical that pumping synthetic compounds into the earth at high pressure would lead to ground water pollution. The safeguard against this pollution is supposed to be steel and concrete barriers that must contain the fluids on their journey. It seems again plausible that these barriers could occasionally fail, and that the concrete may not be poured properly from time to time.

            In the article, Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla was quoted as finding the EPA report “offensive” and accused the EPA of bias. A truly scientific study would have no bias, and should only reveal the truth. Assuming this study is airtight, major changes to regulations and possibly the legality of fracking must be considered. One important detail about the opposition to any scientific digging about fracking, was the secrecy surrounding the fracking fluid’s composition. The drilling companies were withholding information about the compounds contained within the fracking fluid, making it much more difficult to get to the truth. Many of the compounds were thought to be carcinogenic, and are being pumped into the earth in large volumes. If fracking is to continue, I think the concrete barriers should be guaranteed not to fail, and the fracking fluids should be regulated to prevent any major health and environmental risks. It is incredibly unlikely that the drilling companies have the public health or environmental health prioritized over profits, and thorough scientific testing must be continued to ensure fracking’s safety.