Hydraulic Fracturing – Fracking for Oil and Gas from Shale and Tight Rocks
By John Deng Ateny, Perth, Western Australia
September 14, 2016 (SSB) — Hydraulic fracturing, paired with directional drilling method, has revitalised the economic exploitation of oil and gas from previously inaccessible geological formations. Hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking, is a process by which fluids and other chemicals are injected under high pressure into oil or gas-bearing rock formation in order to open fractures to create paths for oil and gas to flow. The process unlock the once inaccessible oil and gases into economically viable reserve.
Hydraulic fracturing is not conventional exploration technique. However, the rise in oil and gas consumption and technological advancement has led to new and controversial exploration methods including Hydraulic Fracturing. Conversely, hydraulic fracturing has liberated oil and gas previously locked away in shale and in hard impermeable rocks. It has increased the economic viability of unlock liquid and gas petroleum that are trapped in deep underground geological formations.
As conventional oil and gas petroleum decline, hydraulic fracturing technique in oil and gas exploration increases. This raised concerns in its potential impacts on environment and human health. Hydraulic fracturing or fracking impacts; hydrological processes, inland waters, environmental quality, terrestrial environmental quality, air quality, human health, reclamation, rehabilitation and closure.
This paper will however concentrate on water quality and the potential impact of hydraulic fracturing for oil and gas on local drinking water. Some science and engineering journals suggest impact of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water. Hydraulic fracturing is fluid base exploration fluid is use to break rocks. 85% to 90% of this fluid is water. Hydraulic fracturing process involves; water acquisition, chemical mixing, well injection, flow back and produced water, and waste water treatment and waste disposal.
Water is the major component of nearly all hydraulic fracturing operations. Water make up 90% of the fluid volume injected into the well for fracturing. Each fractured well requires thousands to millions litres of water. Water abstraction for hydraulic fracturing takes place in times of, or water is sourced in areas with low water availability, hydraulic fracturing fluids spills and produced water seeps directly into underground water reservoirs (aquifers). Potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water resources are defined as change in quality or quantity of drinking water resources.
Hydraulic fracturing activities impact both surface and underground water systems. It put pressure on surface reservoirs such as rivers, lakes and underground aquifers. The rate of water acquisition by hydraulic fracturing expedite discharge, hence contamination due to mixing of salt and fresh water interface. Water acquisition mainly impact the quantity while, chemical mixing, well injection, flow back, produced water, waste water treatment and its disposal mainly affect the quality of local drinking water.
In summary, Hydraulic fracturing activity affect the quantity and quality of surface and underground drinking water. Proximity of hydraulic fracturing to drinking water reservoir is not in itself sufficient for contamination to occur, however, it increases the chance of water pollution. The effect is exacerbate in the area where water supply was already limited.
There is no enough scientific evident that link widespread and systemic low water supply and poor water quality with hydraulic fracturing. Lack of transparency and the tradition of information paucity impede understanding hydraulic fracturing impacts.
Prior to exploration, thorough investigation and hydrological study are essential. Good understanding of surface and underground water network help minimise or eliminate contamination of drinking water during fracturing process.
The author is a practicing Geologist with over ten years Industry experience, He recently developed interest in Industry related Legislations and Sustainable Development in Mining. He can be reached on jateny@gmail.com
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