Just when you thought 2012 might bring us freedom from hydrofracking stories, what happens?
1) The folks at AWWA sent this video link around (note to fellow hockey fans: it's not about the New York Rangers beating the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2 in yesterday's Winter Classic).
From the site:
The New York Water Rangers, a partnership of environmental and community groups working to protect the Empire State from the dangers of industrial gas drilling called hydraulic fracturing or "fracking," are looking to Governor Andrew Cuomo to be the hero New Yorkers want and need to safeguard our waters and communities from fracking. Visit www.WaterRangers.org to learn more!
Cute. Now I know what I can do when I retire. Thought I might have to be a Wal-Mart greeter!
2) The 31 December 2011 earthquake near Youngstown, OH, was likely triggered by fracking waste being injected deep underground through a 9,200 foot (2,800 m) injection well. So the quake itself was not caused by a hydrofracking operation but an injection well used to dispose of fracking wastes. Some might argue that's a very fine line. But it does illustrate the fact that disposal of the fracking waste could be as much or more of a problem than the fracking itself.
Earlier I discussed (11 June 2011) the issue of earthquake generation by deep well injection.
“The extensive public comments revealed a significant concern with potential contamination of groundwater and surface drinking water supplies that could result from this new technology.” - Executive Summary, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation report
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