“Fracking” in the Oil and Gas Industry

 Many think that the use of “fracking” as it pertains to the oil and gas industry is relatively new, but that is not the case. The terms “hydraulic fracturing” (evolving to the shorter term “fracking”) began to appear in oil and gas industry publications in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s. Over the years drilling technology advanced and became capable of extending deeper into the earth, into the hardest rock formations. It was difficult however, to extract the product at those “unconventional” depths (hence the term “unconventional well”). By the late 2000’s the combined advances in drilling and fracturing made it possible to capitalize upon the “deep” gas.  

The subsurface of lands in certain parts of the country contain vast reserves of natural 

gas. It lies at depths of around 15,000 feet in clay and sedimentary rock formations like carbonite, shale, limestone and sandstone. Because these are the tightest rock formations it is  difficult to extract resources from them. Hydraulic Fracturing – “fracking” – is a drilling method used to crack the rock formations and release the trapped oil and gas. The released product flows into the well bore and can be gathered at the surface. 

The fracking technique uses high pressure to inject liquid down the well bore and force small cracks (fissures) into the rock deep beneath the earth. The ingredients of the liquid are at the heart of modern day fracking controversies. It is known to consist of water, and millions of gallons are required for each bore. In addition, the water can contain a mix of sand, salt, chemicals and other substances potentially harmful to humans.  

The millions of gallons of water used to “frack” a deep gas well doesn’t all remain in the ground. A great deal of it comes back to the surface with the extracted gas and may be disposed of in water sources, or injected back into the earth into “disposal wells” or “injection wells”. 

Environmental experts have identified some, but not all, of the chemicals within the “frack mix”, as well as certain radioactive materials. Energy companies have not made full disclosure of the exact chemical composition, defining them as proprietary trade secrets. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified over one thousand different chemicals reported as part of the fracking formulas. Many are hazardous or potentially hazardous, and many studies have shown that any escape of these pollutants into the surrounding earth and water reserves can be a detriment to the environment and to public health. 

For more about known chemicals and potential adverse health effects, read the other free articles on this website. 

If you suspect that you have been exposed to contaminated water, air or soil that has caused illness or injury, contact our law firm immediately. We diligently investigate toxic exposure incidents with our associated teams of lawyers and experts, fighting for the rights of innocent persons who have been forever harmed by exposure to industrial pollution. We welcome you to read the several other articles on this topic available free on this website. Better yet, call us for a free consultation at 1-800-755-0245 or send an instant message through our website: http://www.puzaklaw.com. We look forward to helping you! 

IMPORTANT: Every case is unique in its facts and circumstances. This article is for general information purposes and is not intended as legal advice for any particular case. We recommend consultation with a lawyer of your choice who can perform a thorough analysis of your situation and the particular rights and remedies that may apply.

©David J. Puzak, Puzak Law Offices, LLC