subject: The Dangers of "Fracking" [print this page] As the Gulf Coast continues to struggle with the impending environmental consequences of the Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil leak, another energy harvesting technique that could have potentially devastating effects on Alabama's ecology is beginning to draw attention, thanks in part to the recent HBO documentary, "GasLand."
"Fracking" or more precisely hydraulic fracturing is a method of drilling for natural gas developed by Halliburton that involves pumping extreme volumes of water, sand and a host of chemicals at high pressure into the ground, fracturing the rock structures below to allow easier access to natural gas deposits. It is a process that has been used in Alabama for a long time and contaminated streams and wells have been reported in areas near fracking operations since the 1990s, though the Alabama Oil and Gas Board claims that there have been no confirmed findings of contaminated groundwater.
A recent article in the Birmingham News spells out the extent of fracking is taking place in Alabama. The article notes, "Energen, which also owns the Alagasco utility, has a lot resting on unconventional gas wells which require fracking. The company has spent about $40 million leasing 400,000 acres around the state from landowners whose property sits above natural gas shale formations. Most of the attention in recent years on Alabama shale gas has been in Tuscaloosa, Bibb, St. Clair, Cullman and Etowah counties."
With the increased practice of fracking comes the increased risk of contamination of the fresh water aquifer in areas where the practice is employed. Around the United States, reports of water contamination have followed in fracking's path. Contaminated drinking wells, including wells where the water is so contaminated it has become flammable, have been reported in areas where fracking has been employed. Chemicals commonly used in the fracking process include diesel fuel, benzene, methanol, formaldehyde and hydrochloric acid. The Environmental Protection Agency is looking at this dangerous practice which, as of today, is exempt from federal regulation.
If you believe that you have been exposed to a toxic substance, or want more information about toxic exposure, you should contact a Birmingham toxic tort lawyer.
