BOOK REVIEW Book Rev Book Review
Environmental Considerations Associated with Hydraulic Fracturing Operations: Adjusting to the Shale Revolution in a Green
World1 By James A. Jacobs, CPG-07760 and Stephen M. Testa, CPG-06464
Review by Stephen J. Baker, MEM-2353
In a democracy, the fights over earth resources such as water, oil and gas, coal and minerals are frequently conten- tious, and petroleum extraction using high-volume hydrau- lic fracturing, horizontal drilling methods and specialized chemicals is no exception. Although fracking was used in the oil industry as early as the mid-1860s (in Titusville, Pennsylvania), the current version of fracking puts geologists squarely in the middle of the fight as environmental concerns and resource recovery issues collide. Over the long-term, the “Green Revolution” will focus on sustainable and renewable energy sources. In the meantime, however, natural gas pro- duction using fracking, which is plentiful and economic, plays a transitional role as a more environmentally friendly and cleaner burning alternative to coal, oil sands, and oil shale.
For over ten years, I have been a leader with various stake- holders regarding water issues in the western states through the initiative, “Operation Unite”, (
www.operationunite.co). The arguments I hear made during public meetings commonly depend on a misunderstanding of basic scientific facts, engineering procedures, and fair economic policies. The opportu- nities and the challenges associated with petroleum fracking operations bring out arguments that spring from fear and resis- tance to change on one side, and entitle- ment on the other, and a book laying out the basic facts, good and bad, about the technology has been needed as a starting
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www.aipg.org
place for understanding the complex resource, social, economic, and environmental issues surrounding its use.
As with most resource development activities, there have been situations in which hydraulic fracturing has damaged the quality of local groundwater and air. But this is not likely to
be true in every circumstance. The common view that hydrau- lic fracturing is dangerous both to the environment and to local communities results partly from the clash between an overly simple understanding of the effects on the communities affected and the public postures of the companies involved. A well-written and argued document has been needed to edu- cate those interested in the technology, as well as members of communities that are concerned for the safety of their water supply and the air they breathe. As they say, “The devil is in the details.” This book provides a road map to explore the many scientific and technical conditions that must be met in order to successfully recover hydrocarbons by hydraulic fracturing, as well as an analysis of the ways in which the technique can create environmental concerns.
That is why I find this book a perfect reference. Each chapter ends with suggested reading and references that enable the curious reader to learn more about the subject without going through the frustrating search for reliable reference materials.
Each chapter addresses the technical and legal significance of impacts, with real exam- ples and a narrative that appears factual and balanced.
If you are interested in digging deeper into hydraulic fracturing for natural gas, go to Chapter 16 which summarizes the pros and cons of fracking. Each chapter addresses the technical and legal significance of impacts, with real examples and a narrative that appears factual and balanced.
1. Published by Wiley, ISBN-13: 978-1119336099, or ISBN-10: 1119336090
Jul.Aug.Sep 2020 • TPG 33
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