Fracking

Hydraulic fracturing is a hot-button environmental and economic issue that has people in North Carolina and the entire nation deeply concerned.

Commonly referred to as "fracking", hydraulic fracturing involves the pumping of "millions of gallons" of water and chemicals as deep as 10,000 into the ground to create pressure. This pressure breaks up bed rock and thus releases its reserves of natural gas that can be used as a source of energy. http://www.propublica.org/special/hydraulic-fracturing-national

In theory, this sounds like a simple procedure that can provide a great untapped energy source for many Americans.

However, the process of extracting this gas has many concerned about the environmental implications.

Among many states trying out this new venture, Pennslyvania has fracking wells across its state, which have been succesful in collecting natural gas.

Many say that this comes at a price, however.

A study done on 60 water wells near fracking sites across the state have shown levels of natural gas contamination. http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=fracking-for-natural-gas-pollutes-water-wells

"Methane concentrations in drinking water were much higher if the homeowner was near an active has well," said Robert Jackson, environmental scientist from Duke University.

There are  seemingly extreme yet common examples of such contamination's effects, "I saw a homeowner light his water on fire."

Chemicals such as butane and propane were other contaiments found in drinking water. such chemicals have the potential to pose great health risks.

In North Carolina, the debate is ongoing as to whether the practice of fracking is safe for the general public or not.

Currently, fracking is banned in the state.


A decision to lift the ban on fracking will heavily affect certain North Carolina counties more than others. Counties like Chatham, Lee, and Moore seem to be natural gas "hot spots". http://wunc.org/programs/news/archive/Nli101811_Fracking.mp3/view


The North Carolina Preservation Network has made their opinion loud and clear: fracking should not be allowed in the state, ever. To them, the risks such as ground and surface water contamination, air pollution, and strain on local economies are reason enough to keep the ban in place. https://secure3.convio.net/nccn/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=731

Some, on the other hand, believe that the benefits of fracking can be great and potential damages can be corrected, "Further regulations have to be put in place for us to feel overly confident in doing this in a safe way,” http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/10243004/

Things are changing, as the state moves towards investigating fracking's effects further.

Recently, the state legislature passed a bill that allows for a study, that must be completed by May 1, 2012, that tests the environmental effects of the procedure. http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/07/idUS294056914520110607


The study is underway and the results will be crucial in the state's decision about whether or not to allow the controversial practice of hydraulic fracturing to take place.