×

New studies on fracking could prompt changes

Many people seem to view “fracking” as synonymous with drilling for natural gas and oil. But there is a difference – and it may involve a wild goose chase, so to speak, over contamination of water wells and other sources of ground water.

For generations, energy companies simply drilled holes straight down into the ground, hoping to hit pressurized deposits of oil or gas. But a few decades ago, hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, came into use. It involves drilling a hole, then pumping a mixture of water, sand and chemicals into it to fracture rock formations deep underground. Often, that releases trapped gas and/or oil.

Fracking, combined with horizontal drilling, is responsible for the gas and oil drilling boom in this region of the country and others.

Some critics insist fracking is to blame for contamination of water wells and underground aquifers.

But researchers at Ohio State University say that is not the chief cause of contamination. In a new study of eight wells in Pennsylvania and Texas, they insist fracking is not the culprit.

Instead, leaky well casings are to blame, say the OSU researchers.

Drilling companies are aware of the need to seal the vertical well casings through which chemicals and water are pumped underground and gas or oil flow back up to the surface. As we have explained to readers, well casings consist of far more than a single layer of metal pipe. Usually, they are thick, sometimes including multiple layers of pipe and concrete.

The idea is to ensure nothing leaks out, of course.

But sometimes, casings fail, the OSU researchers say. That can release contaminants into water sources near gas and oil wells.

More research is needed, obviously. But even the OSU work at eight wells may point to a problem with well casings in general.

State and federal regulators should take a look at the new study – and others on the subject of contaminants flowing out of oil and gas wells. If new rules are needed to curb the problem, they should be implemented and enforced

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.39/week.

Subscribe Today