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Negative Effects Of Hydraulic Fracking

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Fracking is something heard about regularly on the news, is a topic of discussion many may not completely understand. “Fracking is the process of drilling down into the earth before a high pressure water mixture is directed at the rock to release the gas inside,” (BBC, 2015). The way fracking works is: water, sand, and chemicals are injected into the rock (many times, shale) at high pressure which allows the gas to flow to the top of the well. Fracking can be carried out vertically or, by drilling horizontally into the rock layer which can create new pathways to release gas or can be used to extend existing channels. (BBC, 2015). Hydraulic fracking is unique compared to more common means of drilling due to it being based on finding a large …show more content…
There are far too many negative effects for the process to be considered profitable at all. Not only is fracking not as profitable as drilling companies seem to believe, but it also poses an enormous threat to the environment. Fracking wastes water, contaminates drinking water and pollutes the air, and causes negative health affects to locals near fracking and workers.“If fracking gas merely displaces efforts to develop cleaner, non-carbon, energy sources...the doom and gloom of more rapid global climate change will be realized,” (Times, 2015). Drilling companies emphasize that fracking is profitable if done correctly, but even done correctly there are frequently leaks and accidents do happen. Fracking could be compared to nuclear power plants. Nuclear power plants provide clean, low cost energy, and provide many jobs. Although those benefits are all fine and good, there is also the chance that the powerplant will meltdown and release radiation into the surrounding area. The meltdown of the nuclear power plant in Fukushima, Japan in 2011 brought global attention to the consequences of nuclear power. Other countries considering using hydraulic fracking as a source of energy look at the results experienced by the United States to make the final decision, and many are leaning towards banning fracking, (BBC, 2015). "Shale gas is not the solution to the UK's energy challenges. We need a 21st century energy revolution based on efficiency and renewables, not more fossil fuels that will add to climate change." (BBC, 2015). Because of these findings, fracking should not be allowed to continue in Pennsylvania or anywhere

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