The University of Cincinnati Department of Geology recently completed a three-year study of fracking. The results further buttress the pro-fracking view that it is a safe process. But the political wrangling over the study show “anti-fracking” forces, including those in government, aren’t nearly as interested in science as they’d like us to believe.
First, the conclusions: as the lead researcher, Dr. Amy Townsend-Small noted, “We haven’t seen anything to show that wells have been contaminated by fracking.” More details on the study and its findings can be seen in this video.
That was apparently not the right answer for the University or some of the study’s funders because when asked if the University planned to publicize the results, Dr. Amy Townsend-Small, said there were no plans to do so.
“I am really sad to say this, but some of our funders, the groups that had given us funding in the past, were a little disappointed in our results. They feel that fracking is scary and so they were hoping this data could to a reason to ban it,” she said. Those funders include state funding in the form of an $85,714 grant from the Ohio Board or Regents and federal funding from the national Science Foundation.
Rep. Andy Thompson, R-Marrietta, whose district includes the area studied in the report said, “It is unacceptable that taxpayers have funded this important groundwater study and the findings are being kept from the public.”
Fracking is probably completely safe however what about the fracking fluid and chemicals that are deep well dumped / pumped into the ground? These chemicals which companies have no obligation to disclose contain toxic chemicals which are just dumped into the bedrock. Unfortunately unlike when fracking these companies don’t take extra care to contain this mixture of water and chemicals from the ground water. Water from fracking sites saturated with these chemicals migrates upward right into the ground water and well water. Fracking itself maybe safe but not all parts of the fracking process were likely a part of this study. I don’t think fracking is responsible for the environmental problems plaguing so many in the shale basin regions it’s the irresponsible and in my opinion criminal, dumping of known toxic blends of chemicals right into the ground.
Ann Marie, good morning:
Your claim that “these chemicals”…”contain toxic chemicals.”
What are these “toxic chemicals?” You do not call-out a single chemical by name…toxic or otherwise. The study states, “We haven’t seen anything to show that wells have been contaminated by fracking.”
As to your statement, “these chemicals migrates upward right into the ground water and well water”…if you would be so kind, please provide the results of your study for verification of your claims.
A Progressive mantra, don’t let the truth get in the way, makes as much sense here as it does regarding Global Warming…I apologize, I meant “Climate Change”. However, I must not tarry, the car windows are down …it was sunny outside when I sat down to reply, it’s now raining…climate change. G-Day
Did you even read the article or attached links?
Electric cars are completely safe because they don’t cause cavities. Methane seeping into well water formations usually far above the fracking zone is a red herring. It was my understanding that casings passing through well water formations could rupture and contaminate the water with chemicals. This is particularly hazardous with chemicals on their way down for high pressure disposal. Declaring fracking safe is a silly absolute, based on a study that is somewhat irrelevant.