Our Think Tank has previously mentioned the challenges with fracking and ground water, and the potential earthquake issues. Most of the problems can be easily mitigated depending on the geological make-up of the regions where such resources are. There was a heavy hitting article recently in the UK about fracking stating it "may cause earthquakes" - well like I said, not a revelation here. Still, perhaps we might discuss this for a moment?
There was an interesting article recently on the Forbes Blog on June 1, 2011 titled "British Fracking Causes Earthquake - What Now?" which was posted in the energy category "Energy Source - How We Power the World" by Chris Rhodes. In the article Chris makes some great points;
"Hydraulic fracturing has made another unwelcome appearance in the media, with reports in the U.K. that the procedure may cause earthquakes. Fracking involves the injection of water containing a surfactant and various other chemicals under high pressure into a source rock e.g. shale, causing the latter to fracture and release natural gas (principally methane). It is hoped that fracking will provide 45% of U.S. gas by 2035, although the jury remains "out" on its safety aspects."
Indeed, I think we've all instinctively known all along that Fracking can in some instances cause Earthquakes merely because it is loosening up rock, most likely not large ones if the industry is careful where they work and exercises caution, which of course is in their best interests thus, you can consider it to be the norm, safety first. So, I do not think this will be such a huge issue.
We've also known that drilling oil without putting something back in can be problematic, numerous smaller earthquakes in the past show that, a few larger than small quakes too. We've had some fracking quakes in the US already not major ones, just small stuff and of course, we must use our science to do it right and study the areas we do this very carefully first. I have no doubt that the oil and gas industry is well on top of this issue.
Indeed, Chris' comments are correct in citing the public's concern, conspiracy theories, and shades of what will be called; "a cover-up" of information on the subject, and no doubt used by environmentalists as another tool to attack Big Oil. There are risks and rewards in anything we do when it comes to energy, whether for our transportation needs or powering up our civilization
Nuclear has seen recent challenges in the Japanese quake and Tsunami double whammy. Oil has terrorist issues, pipeline problems, and terrorists after refineries, not to mention dealing with less than stellar ethical nations around the world. Natural Gas is not without worry either, for instance the pipeline explosion and fire in the bay area recently. Giant wind turbines create ultrasound and mess up aviation radars. Solar Power manufacturing uses an etching solution which is 17,000 times worse than CO2 for the atmosphere. Hydro is challenged by droughts, damns, floods, etc.
We are going to have to deal with the cards we have until the research available helps improve these problems and challenges. Please consider all this.
Lance Winslow is the Founder of the Online Think Tank, a diverse group of achievers, experts, innovators, entrepreneurs, thinkers, futurists, academics, dreamers, leaders, and general all around brilliant minds. Lance Winslow hopes you've enjoyed today's discussion and topic. http://www.worldthinktank.net/ - Have an important subject to discuss, contact Lance Winslow.
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