Question

Natural gas is widely used as a fuel to cook food and provide heat in homes, to produce electricity in power plants, and to help transport us in cars and trucks. Natural gas has often been collected above conventional oil deposits, but the popularity of collecting this gas using hydraulic fracturing has increased in recent years, particularly in the United States.

However, the growing use of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, has raised environmental concerns, spurring numerous debates and protests across the United States.

Proponents of this technique argue that the United States should expand its natural gas production by fracking significantly more shale deposits across the country.

They believe that since the world’s proven oil reserves are A) DECREASING B)INCREASING rapidly, the demand for other sources of energy, such as natural gas, will A)DECREASE B)INCREASE . Further, they argue that fracking more shale deposits across the country will provide more job opportunities and help the economy.

Source of Concern	Environmental Concern	Potential Impact on Human Health
	Fracking fluid left in cracks can leach into the groundwater
	Leaks in natural gas wells pollute the air with
	Evaporating wastewater from disposal pits pollutes the air with radioactive elements

Currently, the natural gas industry is seeking governmental permits to frack more shale deposits around the country. At the same time, many citizens around the country are fighting for an all-out ban on hydraulic fracturing.

For the existing sites where fracking is allowed in the United States, what should you encourage the government and natural gas companies to do to minimize the negative effects of this technique? Check all that apply.

Require natural gas companies to list toxic chemicals used in their fracking fluid

Routinely monitor wastewater flowing from gas wells for cancer-causing chemicals and radioactive elements

Answer 1

They believe that since the world’s proven oil reserves are A) DECREASING ( because of limited resources and of non-renewable sources) rapidly, the demand for other sources of energy, such as natural gas, will B) INCREASE. (Because of increasing vehicles and industries and energy demand by high population.

Source of Concern	Environmental Concern	Potential Impact on Human Health
Public/environmental issue (for pure groundwater and for soil conservation)	The fracking fluid left in cracks can leach into the groundwater	Risks of flu and stone or gastro or kidney problem
Environmental/Public health issue (for pure/fresh air)	Leaks in natural gas wells pollute the air with	Breathing and respiratory problem
Public/Environmental issue (for air quality)	Evaporating wastewater from disposal pits pollutes the air with radioactive elements	Breathing/respiratory as well as skin cancer problem

In my view, both of the options could be applied as;

• Require natural gas companies to list toxic chemicals used in their fracking fluid
• Routinely monitor wastewater flowing from gas wells for cancer-causing chemicals and radioactive elements

Because after listing such toxic fracking fluids, these companies may reduce their quantity or may replace them by nature-friendly chemicals. So that the negative effects on the environment will be reduced.

Similarly, routine monitor of wastewater flow and refining/recycling of such water at the source of contamination, may not be harmful to the environment and public rather public/farmer can use those recycled water for their gardening/farming purpose.