Stuuuuuuu wrote:
His fortune is based upon the process of refining natural gas through the process of "Fracking." Fracturing parts of the natural shale formations underground to release the gas.
The method of "Fracking" to refine natural gas is not without it's environmental concerns. The method uses Flowback brine. This is saltier than seawater, and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection requires it be treated before disposal. But treatment is expensive, and the state is considering tighter rules to deal with the increasing volume of water.
I have read articles that use less flattering terms to describe the process, but need to find those again, and I'll post. This process may well be environmentally hazardous, and some limits have already been set on it.
there are no fraudulent items with hydrofracking. it produces gas, and in the case of marcellus and utica shales, a lot of gas. typically, brine is not used anymore, it's water taken from sources adjacent to the projects, like a stream or river. the only problem that really shows up from the wastewater is when companies abandon regulations and just drain it during a rainstorm or something.
the problem with the process is that the rock fracturing ("frac"ing) splits aquicludes (aquitard, some impermeable barrier, typically rock structures) and ground water (aquifers) move, drain, or have the gas/oil mixed in with it, depositing chemicals into clean water sources.
in case you're wondering, i work with gas lines almost every day. i don't support fracking, but it's getting much better. most people think this is a new process when it has really been going for about 40 years. in ohio gas companies really fucked the water supply in a lot of places and the water can still be lit on fire from the faucet. it's come a long way and it's not going to go away. in most places, there are about 10-15 years of marcellus shale to frack and after that, there is an expected 40 years of utica.
the only way to stop fracking is to get on board with other conservation methods, specifically solar, geothermal, and high efficiency wood stoves.