In the debate over natural gas drilling, the companies are often the ones accused of twisting the facts. But scientists say opponents sometimes mislead the public, too.
Critics of fracking often raise alarms about groundwater pollution, air pollution, and cancer risks, and there are still many uncertainties. But some of the claims have little – or nothing- to back them.
For example, reports that breast cancer rates rose in a region with heavy gas drilling are false, researchers told The Associated Press.
Fears that natural radioactivity in drilling waste could contaminate drinking water aren’t being confirmed by monitoring, either.
And concerns about air pollution from the industry often don’t acknowledge that natural gas is a far cleaner burning fuel than coal.
“The debate is becoming very emotional. And basically not using science” on either side, said Avner Vengosh, a Duke University professor studying groundwater contamination who has been praised and criticized by both sides.
Everyone acts as if fracking is something new. The first well was fracked about 1947 using nitroglycerin. To date over 2 million wells have been fracked. The only documented ground water contamination has been the Wyoming of two sites. In most cases the fracking takes place deep below the surface while the potable ground water is close to the surface. The problem of contamination would take place if the casing were to leak where it came in contact with the ground water.
What’s made the revolution in gas production is the combination of directional drilling with hydro fracking. Some well pads contain up to 60 wells. Cutting one large pad for 60 wells vs. 60 well pads greatly reduces the amount of land disturbance.
Then wouldn’t it greatly REDUCE the chances of leaks into ground water?