Introduction
In the wake of the Corona Virus pandemic, it is clearer than ever that the United States needs to become a more independent country. The need to be less dependent on other countries for gas and oil is clear. But there are some places that hold thousands of units of oil and gas. They are just very difficult to get to because of the soil content in the area. The soil may be sandy or shale that makes it difficult to get through and unstable. Because of this, it makes it difficult and expensive to access. So how can we access this to get to our people? This is where hydraulic fracturing comes into play.
What is Hydraulic Fracturing?
Hydraulic fracturing is a mix of vertical and horizontal drilling. Typically when a well is drilled it is straight down. When drilling gets to the oil or gas pocket then the oil is sucked back up in the oil pump. Hydraulic Fracturing is different in that it doesn’t require a straight down approach to the oil. Basically, the process is similar in that you drill down to get near the oil pocket. But in sandy or shale areas the oil is not in a solid pocket. So hydraulic fracturing utilizes fracking brine that is pushed down into the soil. Which then pushes up the oil and gas. Hydraulic fracturing makes otherwise inaccessible oil accessible.
The Difference Between Horizontal and Vertical Drilling
Horizontal is the older style of drilling for oil. There is a drill that goes straight down and pumps back up the oil. However, there are many oil pockets underneath the private or protected property that is inaccessible. The rig that drills the oil is very destructive to the soil and natural environment. So horizontal drilling is where they start in an area that has already been affected by the horizontal drilling but they can now drill sideways to access surrounding areas of gas. Both are great options and affordable when it comes to accessing oil and gas.
Cons of Hydraulic Fracturing
Hydraulic fracturing seems great and dandy at first. It is relatively inexpensive and accesses gas and oil that we hadn’t previously had access to. However, it is highly damaging to the environment. And the hydraulic fracking brine that is pumped into the soil is damaging. There are many reasons that it is not a good idea. The water sources in the area are at high risk of having brine seeped into them. Along with that, they use so much water to do hydraulic fracturing. Nearly the same amount as 40 cities per year. The chemicals that they have to pump into the environment are also very damaging. There have been many cases of people getting cancer and other body problems from consuming water that had been affected by the hydraulic brine.
So What Can Be Done?
There are other options than utilizing toxic brine. Hydraulic fracturing can be done simply with water and sand. Although it is not as effective, it is still a safer way and a great compromise to surrounding landowners.
It is also important for people to be well educated. If you are being asked to have oil fracked on your land then consider everything. Companies have a way to come in and only explain the money and other benefits. But there is much more to it.
Utilizing better ways to dispose of the liquids is important as well. Previously the waste liquids had just been put in waste pits. However, putting them in a steel tank and disposing of them via burning or breaking them down would be much better for the environment and reduce seepage.
