Shale gas has become an important energy source for the United States in recent years. Especially in regions like Marcellus, rich in such deposits. Nonetheless, as the industry grows, serious questions arise about its environmental impact, particularly water resources. Local residents and environmentalists are worried about the potential impact on water quality and water source reserves. Finding ways to minimize this damage and preserve natural resources is important.
Addressing financial issues is equally crucial, as the development of shale gas technology requires significant investment. This is where companies like VIP Loans can help, offering loans to support green initiatives and thus helping to implement new, more environmentally friendly work methods.
Impact on Water Quality
Shale gas production can greatly affect water quality. The main risk comes from the chemicals used in the hydraulic fracturing (fracking) process, including methane, benzene, toluene, formaldehyde, various brines, etc. Hazardous substances may seep into the groundwater. And then into rivers or lakes, causing pollution.
Methane is especially dangerous. It can leak through cracks and contaminate drinking water. This poses health hazards. And is also the reason why water begins to smell bad and loses its consumer properties.
Benzene and toluene are also very toxic substances. If these chemicals get into the water supply, they can cause chronic health issues.
And don’t forget about the brines used to break up shale. They often increase salinity levels in rivers and lakes, harming ecosystems and reducing water quality for agriculture.
Water Resource Depletion
According to research, the hydraulic fracturing process, used to obtain gas, requires from 8.7 to 14.4 million liters of water per well! And there can be hundreds, thousands of such wells in one field. This places a serious strain on local water supplies.
What happens when resources run out? First of all, water availability for other purposes – agriculture, drinking water supply, and ecosystems – is limited. Water becomes a scarce resource. When local reservoirs or underground aquifers become depleted, people may face insufficient water supplies and decreased crop yields in farming regions.
Furthermore, utilizing groundwater for gas extraction may reduce groundwater levels, impacting ecosystems. Plants and animals depend on constant water levels in rivers and lakes. When the water recedes, they suffer, too. This, of course, has long-term environmental consequences.
Water supply for fracking in arid regions is another problem. After all, the shortage already exists, and using additional water to extract gas will only make the situation worse. Besides, in case of emergency, local authorities have to look for alternative sources, sometimes very expensive and unsafe for the ecosystem.
Thus, too intensive use of water in the gas production process can lead to a crisis impacting both the industry and local residents.
Best Practices to Reduce Negative Effects
Several important rules help minimize the impact of shale gas extraction on water resources. Here is a list of best practices:
- Opting for closed water systems. In such systems, water circulates in a closed circle, which minimizes its use and pollution.
- Water recycling. Many companies are starting to reuse water from the fracking process. This is a great way to reduce the consumption of new water resources and alleviate the load on nearby water bodies.
- Water quality control. Before using water for drilling, it must be thoroughly purified. Otherwise, contaminants may enter natural sources.
- Deep wells and protective screens. It is important to construct wells so that they do not damage underground aquifers. Screens in drill stems help prevent chemicals from leaking into the water.
- Responsible waste management. All waste, including chemical liquids and soil, must be stored and disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner.
- Monitoring and risk assessment. Constant monitoring of the water conditions near the extraction sites helps to promptly identify pollution and prevent its spread.
- Personnel training. Effective training of staff on water conservation and proper handling of chemicals is key to minimizing risks.
- Cooperation with local authorities and the public. Openness and ongoing interaction with local authorities and residents facilitate the development of joint solutions and increase the level of trust in mining companies.
All these practices can reduce negative impacts on water resources. Therefore, it is important to follow them.
