Shale Fracking - behind the headlines

anti-fracking protest in the UK

Fracking is a highly controversial 
method of fuel production which has sparked heated debate between many different groups within the UK, with less than 50% of the UK public supporting it. Amid concerns over depleting fossil fuel reserves many see fracking as the answer to the UKs energy demands. However opponents argue fracking poses threats to people the environment, and also reduces the UKs ability to invest in greener and more renewable energy sources.

What is fracking?
Fracking, also known as hydraulic fracturing, is a process which involves drilling into the earth to depths of around 1km, with the aim of recovering natural gas or oil from shale rock, which can then be combusted as fuel. It has been carried out since the 1940s in the US, is growingly important as our supplies of conventional crude oil resources are running out. Technology and research means that fracking activity in areas of the UK is rising.

The natural gas obtained is predominately methane and is held in minute fractures in shales.
When slick water, which is a mixture of water and chemicals to aid the process, and a proppant, for example sand, are pumped at high pressures into the well, the fractures are made larger and the shale more permeable. When the pressure is released, the liquid and natural gas rise up the borehole to the surface.

What are the issues with fracking?
There is widespread opposition to the UK fracking movement. Many opposers believe that the contreversial method of energy production poses environmental, economic and societal threats.

• Environmental threats: evidence from monitoring sites in the US indicates both air pollution and water contamination linked to fracking activity. For example one Colorado based report shows at least 1000 spills of chemical waste, oils and diesel which are trongly related to fracking activity. In another study, over 50 hazardous air pollutants, 35 of which are potentially toxic to the brain and nervous system, were also found in unusually high levels near fracking sites in western Colorado, US. This evidence shows a link between fracking and a reduction in both water and air quality, putting at risk the health of communities and the sustainability of ecosystems. However, a report by the government agnency Public Health England (PHE) concludes that "the risk to public health from exposure to emissions from shale gas extraction are low if operations are properly run and regulated" 
• Fracking also requires large amounts of water consumption. A report by the Tyndell Centre suggests that “development of shale reserves at levels sufficient to deliver gas at a level equivalent to 10% of UK gas consumption would increase industrial water abstraction across England and Wales by up to 0.6%". This may impact the UKs water reserves considerably, threatening other industries, the environment and society.
• Social threats: As well as the potential public health risks associated with fracking and possible risks to local economy, many communities in the UK where fracking is being proposed have growing concerns about how they will be impacted by shale gas extraction in their local area. Some impacts include increased traffic;visual intrusion into the local setting and areas of natural beauty; flood risk; noise and light levels; and the question of residents' rights as home-owners to prevent fracking beneath their homes. 
• Economic threats: while there is no solid estimates to indicate the negative impact of fracking on the local economy, a number of industries express concerns about how fracking will effect them. Many areas where drilling is proposed in the UK rely heavily on the income agriculture and tourism. The water and land contamination which could potentially occur with fracking may harm agricultural practices and have a detrimental impact on farmers' income and therefore the local economy. Shale gas fracking also threatens areas of natural beauty, reducing the local area's ability to generate income from tourism.
• However the UK government strongly supports the potential for fracking to create jobs and boost economies. A report for Cuadrilla, a company looking to drill in the UK, suggests that shale gas production in Lancashire could create up to 6,500 full-time jobs. The UK government also proposes community benefit packages to develop local economies. However, many argue that investment in renewable energy, a much more sustainable option for delivering energy, has the opportunity to create many more jobs and benefit communities in a much greater way than fracking. According to a government report the renewable energy sector could support 400,000 jobs by 2020.

Sources and further reading:
- Friends Of The Earth briefing paper - gives detailed information about the nature and threats of fracking, May 2013
- New scientist article reporting the UK governments response to concerns over the public health risks of fracking, November 2013
- Uk gov report - information about fracking in the uk and planning permission, February 2014
- Sustainanalytics paper about the social and environmental impacts of shale gas developement, August 2011
- BBC news article - Fracking's risks and benefits, January 2013.