Fracking

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Hydraulic Fracturing is a controversial oil and gas extraction process developed in the late 1940s to gain access to natural gas deposits trapped miles under U.S. soil. Hydraulic Fracturing also known as hydrofracking is currently used in over 20 states including California. “California records showed fracking operations in 10 counties counties: Colusa, Glenn, Kern, Los Angeles, Monterey, Sacramento, Santa Barbara, Sutter, Kings and Ventura , as well as in state waters off Los Angeles. Kern County is currently California’s major oil-producing county; Halliburton (an American multinational corporation which is also one of the world's most significant oil manufacture companies with business in more than 80 countries) estimates that 50 percent to 60 percent of new oil wells are fracked. Fracking is likely being done elsewhere in California but is unmonitored by state officials.” The systematic process begins with drilling a vertical well approximately 1.5 miles into the ground rock then horizontally through shale rock. A mixture of sand, water and other additives is then pumped into the well. After, perforated tools carrying conductors travel down the well and once they are in place a shock is ignited intended to create new fissures in the rock and/or increase the size of existing fissures for improved extraction. A popping agent is then pumped into the fractures to prevent them from closing after pumping pressure is released. Injected products rise to the surface where it is stored in tanks or pits prior to recycle or disposal. Natural gasses seep into these fractures or fissures and are released through the well. Though fracking may seem to be harmless because of the use of “organic” substances like rock, sand and water, the bypro...

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...factual information and the opportunity to vote, it gives we, the people, a sense of control. As a public health major I believe I am obligated to stand up for the public, whom isn’t fully informed and at risk, and conclude that fracking isn’t the way to go. Its risks don’t out weigh the potential benefits and there haven’t been any steps to rectify the negative impacts. We cannot allow the oil industry to bully our communities and strip them from their rights. Requiring additional inspections of well sites and waste product exits, recorded logs for daily maintenance are just a few ideas that can be taken into consideration to better the situation. If fracking industries can consider the wellness of others and make the right corrections to their development, we can hope to see an accelerated shift in transition to a carbon-light environment sooner than expected.

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