Don’t forget the facts about fracking -
Let’s go back to the basics of fracking for natural gas before you find yourself wrapped up in the scare tactics of anti-fracking groups.
Hydraulic fracturing is process that has been used since 1947 as a method to extract natural from rock formations. The pressurized process creates hairline cracks in the rocks, which allows the oil and natural gas to flow to a well. In the U.S. more than 1 million wells have been fracked (12,000 just in Michigan), and still there have been no cases of contaminated groundwater from hydraulic fracturing.
In fracking zones located near freshwater areas, drilling companies add extra depth for additional safety. The pipes that are drilled into the ground are layered with steel and cement. Each state requires different regulations – The state might be requires to a certain number of layers or certain depth of cement.
The chemicals used in fracture are a small part of the fracking process. The chemicals used in fracking have been coined has “toxic,” but the truth is, the chemicals used in fracking are the same chemicals you use in your home. Chemicals make up less than one percent of the total fluid used in fracking (with about 99 percent water and sand). The fracking industry is required to provide Material Safety Data to the states environmental agencies.
One of the key components of hydraulic fracturing is the abundance of natural gas and the ability to cut carbon emissions. Experts say the United States has up to 100 years of natural gas resources. Today, 80 percent of Michigan homes use natural gas for heat.
And the other 20 percent would use it if they had access to it (give or take a few percentages).
The bottom-line, is to remember the facts about fracking before listening to anti-fracking group campaigns.
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