Scientists – companies hide information about the consequences of shale gas production in the United States

Shale gas production in the UK. Archived photo

The study of American scientists shows that the active growth of shale gas production in the United States by hydraulic fracturing occurs against the background of a lack of knowledge about the environmental consequences of such activities, and this deficit needs to be urgently addressed. The study was published in the journal Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment.

U.S. shale gas production by hydraulic fracturing has increased by 700% since 2007, but the effect of this method on flora and fauna is still poorly understood.

8 scientists from various scientific organizations in the United States published a study in which they said that the process of active use of wells for the extraction of natural gas through hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking”, significantly ahead of research progress in understanding the environmental consequences of such activities.

Scientists note that in order to reduce this discrepancy, it is necessary to publish all data on emergency incidents at well drilling sites. At the moment, only 5 of the 24 states that develop shale gas fields provide data on drilling incidents to the public.

Among the potential threats from the use of “fracking”, scientists call the leakage of dangerous chemicals and errors in the sedimentation of the well, which leads to environmental pollution. Information about a third of all harmful cases during drilling, according to the study, and does not reach the public.

In addition, the chemical composition of the liquid, which is used in the rupture of the gaseous formation, is not always published by gas companies in full.



Multiple natural gas wells in Wyoming

How many more unreported leaks have occurred that have not been detected during well inspections? We need accurate data on the substances used in hydraulic fracturing before we can assess the impact of this technology on plants and animals.

Sarah Souther, University of Wisconsin-Madison

In addition to leaks of harmful substances, the construction of wells damages nature: from 1.5 to 3.5 hectares of land is freed from plants, which, together with loud noise and bright light, can interfere with the life of animals, the scientists note.

Source: nlo-mir.ru

Source: /users/78