HYDRAULIC FRACTURING HYDRO FRACTURING HYDROFRACKING EPA RCRA CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHOP ROCKY GAP, MD NOVEMBER 8-10, 2010 Presenters BHARAT BHAM, PADEP-NERO.

HYDRAULIC FRACTURINGHYDRAULIC FRACTURINGHYDRO FRACTURINGHYDRO FRACTURING

HYDROFRACKINGHYDROFRACKING

EPA RCRA CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHOPEPA RCRA CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHOPROCKY GAP, MDROCKY GAP, MD

NOVEMBER 8-10, 2010NOVEMBER 8-10, 2010

PresentersPresenters

BHARAT BHAM, PADEP-NEROBHARAT BHAM, PADEP-NERO

PAMELA TROWBRIDGE, PADEP-SCROPAMELA TROWBRIDGE, PADEP-SCRO

WHAT IS HYDROFRACKING?WHAT IS HYDROFRACKING?Hydraulic fracturingHydraulic fracturing is a proven technology that has been used since the 1940s in is a proven technology that has been used since the 1940s in more than 1 million wells in the United States to help produce oil and natural gas. more than 1 million wells in the United States to help produce oil and natural gas. The technology involves pumping a water-sand mixture into underground rock layers The technology involves pumping a water-sand mixture into underground rock layers where the oil or gas is trapped. The pressure of the water creates tiny fissures in the where the oil or gas is trapped. The pressure of the water creates tiny fissures in the rock. The sand holds open the fissures, allowing the oil or gas to escape and flow up rock. The sand holds open the fissures, allowing the oil or gas to escape and flow up the well.the well.

Is hydraulic fracturing widely used?Is hydraulic fracturing widely used? Yes, and its use is likely to increase. A Yes, and its use is likely to increase. A government-industry study found that up to 80 percent of natural gas wells drilled in government-industry study found that up to 80 percent of natural gas wells drilled in the next decade will require hydraulic fracturing. Hydraulic fracturing allows access the next decade will require hydraulic fracturing. Hydraulic fracturing allows access to formations, like shale oil and to formations, like shale oil and shale gasshale gas, that had not been assessable before , that had not been assessable before without the technology. It also allows more oil and natural gas be to be brought to without the technology. It also allows more oil and natural gas be to be brought to the surface from wells that had been produced without this technology.the surface from wells that had been produced without this technology.

Doesn’t hydraulic fracturing present a serious threat to the environment?Doesn’t hydraulic fracturing present a serious threat to the environment? No. The environmental track record is good, and the technology is employed under No. The environmental track record is good, and the technology is employed under close regulatory supervision by state, local and federal regulators. Hydraulic close regulatory supervision by state, local and federal regulators. Hydraulic fracturing has been used in nearly one million wells in the United States and studies fracturing has been used in nearly one million wells in the United States and studies by the U.S. EPA and the Ground Water Protection Council have confirmed no direct by the U.S. EPA and the Ground Water Protection Council have confirmed no direct link between hydraulic fracturing operations and groundwater impacts.link between hydraulic fracturing operations and groundwater impacts.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONSENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS Who regulates hydraulic fracturing?Who regulates hydraulic fracturing?

There are multiple federal, state and local government rules addressing environmental protection There are multiple federal, state and local government rules addressing environmental protection during oil and gas operations, including the protection of water resources. These rules cover well during oil and gas operations, including the protection of water resources. These rules cover well permitting, well materials and construction, safe disposition of used hydraulic fracturing fluids, permitting, well materials and construction, safe disposition of used hydraulic fracturing fluids, water testing, and chemical recordkeeping and reporting. In addition, API has created a water testing, and chemical recordkeeping and reporting. In addition, API has created a guidanceguidance document on proper well constructiondocument on proper well construction and plans to release guidance documents outlining best- and plans to release guidance documents outlining best-available practices for water use and management and protecting the environment during available practices for water use and management and protecting the environment during

hydraulic hydraulic fracturing operations.fracturing operations.

Isn’t there a risk that hydraulic fracturing will use up an area’s water supplies? No. Isn’t there a risk that hydraulic fracturing will use up an area’s water supplies? No.

Local authorities control water use and can restrict it if necessary. In many areas, water is recycled Local authorities control water use and can restrict it if necessary. In many areas, water is recycled and reused; in some cases companies pay for the water they use, which comes from a variety of and reused; in some cases companies pay for the water they use, which comes from a variety of sources. Water requirements for hydraulic fracturing are less than many other commercial and sources. Water requirements for hydraulic fracturing are less than many other commercial and recreational uses. In Pennsylvania, for example, all the 2009 hydraulic fracturing activity used only recreational uses. In Pennsylvania, for example, all the 2009 hydraulic fracturing activity used only 5 percent of the amount of water used for recreational purposes, like golf courses and sky slopes. 5 percent of the amount of water used for recreational purposes, like golf courses and sky slopes. State agencies manage State agencies manage water in a way that safeguards the water needs by nearby communities water in a way that safeguards the water needs by nearby communities and protects the environment. Companies recycle and reuse much of the water.and protects the environment. Companies recycle and reuse much of the water.

Doesn’t hydraulic fracturing present a serious threat to the environment?Doesn’t hydraulic fracturing present a serious threat to the environment? No. No.

The environmental track record is good, and the technology is employed under close regulatory The environmental track record is good, and the technology is employed under close regulatory supervision by state, local and federal regulators. Hydraulic fracturing has been used in nearly one supervision by state, local and federal regulators. Hydraulic fracturing has been used in nearly one million wells in the United States and studies by the U.S. EPA and the Ground Water Protection million wells in the United States and studies by the U.S. EPA and the Ground Water Protection Council have confirmed no direct link between hydraulic fracturing operations and groundwater Council have confirmed no direct link between hydraulic fracturing operations and groundwater impacts.impacts.

How are the fluids kept away from aquifers and drinking water wells?How are the fluids kept away from aquifers and drinking water wells?

Wells are drilled away from drinking water wells. Also, fracturing usually Wells are drilled away from drinking water wells. Also, fracturing usually occurs at depths well occurs at depths well belowbelow where usable groundwater is likely to be found. Finally, when a well is drilled, steel casing where usable groundwater is likely to be found. Finally, when a well is drilled, steel casing and surrounding layers of and surrounding layers of concrete are installed to provide a safe barrier to protect usable waterconcrete are installed to provide a safe barrier to protect usable water..

Simplified Steps In Hydraulic FracturingSimplified Steps In Hydraulic Fracturing

1. Water, sand and additives are pumped at extremely high pressures down the wellbore.1. Water, sand and additives are pumped at extremely high pressures down the wellbore.2. The liquid goes through perforated sections of the well bore and into the surrounding formation, 2. The liquid goes through perforated sections of the well bore and into the surrounding formation, fracturing the rock and injecting sand or proppants into the cracks to hold them open.fracturing the rock and injecting sand or proppants into the cracks to hold them open.3. Experts continually monitor and gauge pressures, fluids and proppants, studying how the sand reacts 3. Experts continually monitor and gauge pressures, fluids and proppants, studying how the sand reacts when it hits the bottom of the well bore, slowly increasing the density of sand to water as the frac when it hits the bottom of the well bore, slowly increasing the density of sand to water as the frac progresses.progresses.4. This process may be repeated multiple times, in “stages” to reach maximum areas of the well bore. 4. This process may be repeated multiple times, in “stages” to reach maximum areas of the well bore. When this is done, the well bore is temporarily plugged between each stage to maintain the highest water When this is done, the well bore is temporarily plugged between each stage to maintain the highest water pressure possible and get maximum fracturing results in the rock.pressure possible and get maximum fracturing results in the rock.5. The frac plugs are drilled or removed from the well bore and the well is tested for results.5. The frac plugs are drilled or removed from the well bore and the well is tested for results.6. The water pressure is reduced and fluids are returned up the well bore for disposal or treatment and re-6. The water pressure is reduced and fluids are returned up the well bore for disposal or treatment and re-use, leaving the sand in place to prop open the cracks and allow the gas to flow.use, leaving the sand in place to prop open the cracks and allow the gas to flow.

Common Hydraulic Fracturing EquipmentCommon Hydraulic Fracturing EquipmentAlthough hydraulic fracturing, or fracing, operations take a relatively short amount of time to complete, the Although hydraulic fracturing, or fracing, operations take a relatively short amount of time to complete, the

process requires the use of advanced technology and a variety of equipment. From data monitoring to frac process requires the use of advanced technology and a variety of equipment. From data monitoring to frac

blenders and pumps, this highly developed and monitored process involves a flurry of activitiesblenders and pumps, this highly developed and monitored process involves a flurry of activities

Example of Typical Deep Shale Fracturing Mixture MakeupExample of Typical Deep Shale Fracturing Mixture Makeup

Product Category

Main Ingredient Purpose Other Common Uses

Water99.5%

water & sand

Expand fracture and deliver sand Landscaping and manufacturing

SandAllows the fractures to remain open so the gas can escape

Drinking water filtration, play sand, concrete and brick mortar

Other approximately 0.5%

AcidHydrochloric acid or muriatic acid

Helps dissolve minerals and initiate cracks in the rock

Swimming pool chemical and cleaner

Antibacterial agent

GlutaraldehydeEliminates bacteria in the water that produces corrosive by-products

Disinfectant; Sterilizer for medical and dental equipment

Breaker Ammonium persulfate Allows a delayed break down of the gelUsed in hair coloring, as a disinfectant, and in the manufacture of common household plastics

Corrosion inhibitor

n,n-dimethyl formamide

Prevents the corrosion of the pipe Used in pharmaceuticals, acrylic fibers and plastics

Crosslinker Borate saltsMaintains fluid viscosity as temperature increases

Used in laundry detergents, hand soaps and cosmetics

Friction reducer

Petroleum distillate “Slicks” the water to minimize frictionUsed in cosmetics including hair, make-up, nail and skin products

GelGuar gum or hydroxyethyl cellulose

Thickens the water in order to suspend the sand

Thickener used in cosmetics, baked goods, ice cream, toothpaste, sauces and salad dressings

Iron control Citric acid Prevents precipitation of metal oxides Food additive; food and beverages; lemon juice ~7% citric acid

Clay stabilizer

Potassium chloride Creates a brine carrier fluid Used in low-sodium table salt substitute, medicines and IV fluids

pH adjusting agent

Sodium or potassium carbonate

Maintains the effectiveness of other components, such as crosslinkers

Used in laundry detergents, soap, water softener and dishwasher detergents

Scale inhibitor

Ethylene glycol Prevents scale deposits in the pipe Used in household cleansers, de-icer, paints and caulk

Surfactant IsopropanolUsed to increase the viscosity of the fracture fluid

Used in glass cleaner, multi-surface cleansers, antiperspirant, deodorants and hair color

Example of Typical Deep Shale Fracturing Mixture MakeupExample of Typical Deep Shale Fracturing Mixture Makeup

In addition to water and sand, other additives are used in fracturing fluids to allow fracturing to In addition to water and sand, other additives are used in fracturing fluids to allow fracturing to be performed in a safe and effective manner. Additives used in hydraulic fracturing fluids include be performed in a safe and effective manner. Additives used in hydraulic fracturing fluids include a number of compounds found in common consumer products.a number of compounds found in common consumer products.

Example of Typical Deep Shale Fracturing Mixture MakeupExample of Typical Deep Shale Fracturing Mixture MakeupA representation showing the percent by volume composition of typical deep shale gas hydraulic A representation showing the percent by volume composition of typical deep shale gas hydraulic fracture components (see graphic) reveals that more than 99% of the fracturing mixture is fracture components (see graphic) reveals that more than 99% of the fracturing mixture is comprised of freshwater and sand. This mixture is injected into deep shale gas formations and is comprised of freshwater and sand. This mixture is injected into deep shale gas formations and is typically confined by many thousands of feet of rock layers.typically confined by many thousands of feet of rock layers.

Fracturing Ingredients Product Category Main Ingredient Purpose Other Common Uses WaterFracturing Ingredients Product Category Main Ingredient Purpose Other Common Uses Waterwater & sand Expand fracture and deliver sand Landscaping and manufacturing Sand Allows the water & sand Expand fracture and deliver sand Landscaping and manufacturing Sand Allows the fractures to remain open so the gas can escape Drinking water filtration, play sand, concrete and fractures to remain open so the gas can escape Drinking water filtration, play sand, concrete and brick mortar Acid Hydrochloric acid or muriatic acid Helps dissolve minerals and initiate cracks in brick mortar Acid Hydrochloric acid or muriatic acid Helps dissolve minerals and initiate cracks in the rock Swimming pool chemical and cleaner Antibacterial agent Glutaraldehyde Eliminates the rock Swimming pool chemical and cleaner Antibacterial agent Glutaraldehyde Eliminates bacteria in the water that produces corrosive by-products Disinfectant; Sterilizer for medical and bacteria in the water that produces corrosive by-products Disinfectant; Sterilizer for medical and dental equipment Breaker Ammonium Persulfate Allows a delayed break down of the gel Used in dental equipment Breaker Ammonium Persulfate Allows a delayed break down of the gel Used in hair coloring, as a disinfectant, and in the manufacture of common household plastics Corrosion hair coloring, as a disinfectant, and in the manufacture of common household plastics Corrosion inhibit iron, N-Dimethyl Formamide Prevents the corrosion of the pipe Used in pharmaceuticals, inhibit iron, N-Dimethyl Formamide Prevents the corrosion of the pipe Used in pharmaceuticals, acrylic fibers and plastics Cross linker Borate salts Maintains fluid viscosity as temperature acrylic fibers and plastics Cross linker Borate salts Maintains fluid viscosity as temperature increases Used in laundry detergents, hand soaps and cosmetics Friction reducer Petroleum increases Used in laundry detergents, hand soaps and cosmetics Friction reducer Petroleum distillate “Slicks” the water to minimize friction Used in cosmetics including hair, make-up, nail distillate “Slicks” the water to minimize friction Used in cosmetics including hair, make-up, nail and skin products Gel Guar gum or Hydroxyethyl cellulose Thickens the water in order to suspend and skin products Gel Guar gum or Hydroxyethyl cellulose Thickens the water in order to suspend the sand Thickener used in cosmetics, baked goods, ice cream, toothpaste, sauces and salad the sand Thickener used in cosmetics, baked goods, ice cream, toothpaste, sauces and salad dressings Iron control Citric acid Prevents precipitation of metal oxides Food additive; food and dressings Iron control Citric acid Prevents precipitation of metal oxides Food additive; food and beverages; lemon juice ~7% citric acid Clay stabilizer Potassium chloride Creates a brine carrier beverages; lemon juice ~7% citric acid Clay stabilizer Potassium chloride Creates a brine carrier fluid Used in low-sodium table salt substitute, medicines and IV fluids pH adjusting agent Sodium fluid Used in low-sodium table salt substitute, medicines and IV fluids pH adjusting agent Sodium or potassium carbonate Maintains the effectiveness of other components, such as cross linkers or potassium carbonate Maintains the effectiveness of other components, such as cross linkers Used in laundry detergents, soap, water softener and dishwasher detergents Scale inhibitor Used in laundry detergents, soap, water softener and dishwasher detergents Scale inhibitor Ethylene glycol Prevents scale deposits in the pipe Used in household cleansers, de-icer, paints Ethylene glycol Prevents scale deposits in the pipe Used in household cleansers, de-icer, paints and caulk Surfactant Isopropanol Used to increase the viscosity of the fracture fluid Used in glass and caulk Surfactant Isopropanol Used to increase the viscosity of the fracture fluid Used in glass cleaner, multi-surface cleansers, antiperspirant, deodorants and hair colorcleaner, multi-surface cleansers, antiperspirant, deodorants and hair color

What Is Marcellus Shale?                                                       Marcellus Shale is a geological formation that was formed by the accumulation of sediment into a sea. This formation was eventually buried over many thousands of years and compressed to produce an organic-rich black shale. This geological formation, which dates back to the Devonian time period   , stretches from the Northeast to the Southwest in direction. The Marcellus starts at the base of the Catskills in upstate New York, stretches across the upstate toward Marcellus, New York (the town from which the formation is named) and southwest to West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio. The Marcellus Shale is known to be deeper on the southeast edge of the formation that borders the ridge and valley regions of New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and West Virginia. The Marcellus gets more shallow as it heads Northwest towards Ohio and Lake Erie.

Why Now?Although throughout the geological world, Marcellus Shale has been identified as potentially rich in fossil fuels, it was not until recently that the industry has invested into exploration in Marcellus. Two factors are clearly present in the ramp up in exploration and production (E&P) activities related to Marcellus Shale. First, the success of the Barnett Shale play in North Central Texas has allowed companies to transfer the hydrofracturing technology to other areas, such as the Fayetteville Shale play (Arkansas), Haynesville Shale play (Louisiana and Eastern Texas), and the Marcellus Shale play. Second, the population centers of Northeastern U.S. are very close in proximity to the Marcellus Shale. This improves the economic conditions of the play because the demand for natural gas from this region is high; there are also costs associated with the transportation of natural gas so the close proximity will result in lower transportation costs.

What Does the Future of Marcellus Hold?As America demands more and more energy, the role that natural gas will play in that demand is uncertain. One thing that is certain is the Marcellus play is shaping up to be a key supplier for domestic natural gas. Impacts from this industry are uncertain as well. Historically, the energy industry has gone through times of "boom and bust" and is driven by the economical conditions present across the nation. The industry is also known for paying a higher wage, on average, compared to an equivalent manufacturing job. One thing that is not uncertain, although, is that the natural gas industry associated with Marcellus Shale exploration will give the nation another source to potentially reduce the intake of foreign supplies of natural gas. The Lifespan of Marcellus ShaleThe natural gas development process was divided into three phases (called pre-drilling, drilling, and production), and the distinct occupational categories that comprise the workforce requirements for each phase were identified. This process was relatively straightforward, as all major occupations were listed and further separated by the distinct educational and training requirements when possible.

MAP OF GAS EXPLORATION IN THE SHALE FORMATION IN THE USAMAP OF GAS EXPLORATION IN THE SHALE FORMATION IN THE USA

WHY IS HYDRAULIC FRACTURING IMPORTANT?

Application of hydraulic fracturing techniques, to increase oil and gas recovery, is estimated to account for 30 percent of U.S. recoverable oil and

gas reserves and has been responsible for the addition of more than 7 billion barrels of oil and 600 trillion cubic feet of natural gas to meet the nation’s

energy needs

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONSENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

Doesn’t hydraulic fracturing present a serious threat Doesn’t hydraulic fracturing present a serious threat to the environment?to the environment?

No. The environmental track record is good, and the No. The environmental track record is good, and the technology is employed under close regulatory supervision technology is employed under close regulatory supervision by state, local and federal regulators. Hydraulic fracturing by state, local and federal regulators. Hydraulic fracturing has been used in nearly one million wells in the United has been used in nearly one million wells in the United States and studies by the U.S. EPA and the Ground Water States and studies by the U.S. EPA and the Ground Water Protection Council have confirmed no direct link between Protection Council have confirmed no direct link between hydraulic fracturing operations and groundwater impacts.hydraulic fracturing operations and groundwater impacts.

How are the fluids kept away from aquifers and How are the fluids kept away from aquifers and drinking water wells?drinking water wells? Wells are drilled away from Wells are drilled away from drinking water wells. Also, fracturing usually drinking water wells. Also, fracturing usually occurs at depths well belowoccurs at depths well below where usable groundwater is where usable groundwater is likely to be found. Finally, when a well is drilled, steel likely to be found. Finally, when a well is drilled, steel casing and surrounding layers of concrete are installed to casing and surrounding layers of concrete are installed to provide a safe barrier to protect usable water.provide a safe barrier to protect usable water.

Making Hydrofracking Safer      Hydrofracking – The key to obtaining substantial yields of natural gas from wells drilled into hard shale rock has been used for many years throughout the US, Canada and many other countries.In recent years, as the technology has evolved, it has also become controversial in some areas.

While EPA and regional governmental bodies are trying to optimize the risks versus returns and with consideration to US Energy Security new technologies are starting to emerge to deal with some of the potential problems.

One issue which is starting to be addressed is the presence of Radium and other Radionuclides in Fracking Backflow Water.When rock is fractured deep beneath the ground there is often a certain amount of Radium present.Radium is a decay product of Uranium which was present in the rock hundreds of millions of years ago.

EPA REQUIREMENTS

What is required by the EPA?Right now the EPA (Environmental Protection Administration) is engaged in a complete review of Hydrofracking technology throughout the United States. The goal is to make sure that best practices can be developed to minimize danger while Hydrofracking evolves.EPA establishes allowable limits for radioactive nuclides in Backflow water. At present these limits are being re-evaluated and will likely be lowered.  

Facts & Figures About Natural Gas Facts & Figures About Natural Gas Natural gas, including unconventional Natural gas, including unconventional shale gas resourcesshale gas resources, fuels our economy, delivers heat and power to over , fuels our economy, delivers heat and power to over 60 million U.S. homes60 million U.S. homes and provides and provides our nation with a clean-burning, domestic energy source. According to a our nation with a clean-burning, domestic energy source. According to a Massachusetts Institute of Technology study released in June 2010Massachusetts Institute of Technology study released in June 2010, natural , natural gas is expected to double its share of the energy market, from 20 percent to 40 percent by 2050, making the development of this vital resource gas is expected to double its share of the energy market, from 20 percent to 40 percent by 2050, making the development of this vital resource increasingly important to our nation’s future energy.increasingly important to our nation’s future energy.Natural gas is essential to America's manufacturers, not only to power their operations, but also as a feedstock for many of the daily products we useNatural gas is essential to America's manufacturers, not only to power their operations, but also as a feedstock for many of the daily products we use—clothing, carpets, sports equipment, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, computers, and auto parts. It is also a primary feedstock for —clothing, carpets, sports equipment, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, computers, and auto parts. It is also a primary feedstock for chemicals, plastics and fertilizers.chemicals, plastics and fertilizers.Over the past few years, the combination of horizontal drilling and Over the past few years, the combination of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturinghydraulic fracturing have unlocked the promise of natural gas in tight rock have unlocked the promise of natural gas in tight rock formations—sandstone in the intermountain West and shale throughout the central and eastern U.S.—and have led to a natural gas boom in several formations—sandstone in the intermountain West and shale throughout the central and eastern U.S.—and have led to a natural gas boom in several areas of the country.areas of the country.Improvements in technology and application of science have contributed to an Improvements in technology and application of science have contributed to an 8 percent increase8 percent increase in U.S. natural gas production between 2007 and in U.S. natural gas production between 2007 and 2008, through development of tight shales and sandstones which, not all that long ago, were considered impractical or uneconomical to pursue.2008, through development of tight shales and sandstones which, not all that long ago, were considered impractical or uneconomical to pursue.Among the first targets was the Barnett shale deposit in northern Texas. As a result of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, the Barnett Shale Among the first targets was the Barnett shale deposit in northern Texas. As a result of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, the Barnett Shale now produces over now produces over 7 percent7 percent of America’s natural gas, enough to power of America’s natural gas, enough to power 20 million homes20 million homes per year. Operators are able to drill underneath Fort per year. Operators are able to drill underneath Fort Worth from miles outside the city limits with directional drilling.Worth from miles outside the city limits with directional drilling.Success in the Barnett after years of drilling led to the application of lessons in technology and science that shortened the learning curve for Success in the Barnett after years of drilling led to the application of lessons in technology and science that shortened the learning curve for development of emerging plays like the Fayetteville Shale in Arkansas, the Haynesville Shale in Louisiana and the Marcellus Shale in the northeastern development of emerging plays like the Fayetteville Shale in Arkansas, the Haynesville Shale in Louisiana and the Marcellus Shale in the northeastern United States. A recent EIA report noted that U.S. proven United States. A recent EIA report noted that U.S. proven natural gas reserves rose 3 percentnatural gas reserves rose 3 percent in 2008, and in 2008, and shale gas reservesshale gas reserves rose an rose an astonishing astonishing 51 percent51 percent over 2007. over 2007.New resources have helped to increase natural gas supplies and improve New resources have helped to increase natural gas supplies and improve U.S. energy securityU.S. energy security. They have also encouraged discussions about . They have also encouraged discussions about America's abundant natural gas as a clean, bridge fuel to the nation's energy future.America's abundant natural gas as a clean, bridge fuel to the nation's energy future.Natural gas has many uses:Natural gas has many uses:Meets Meets 24 percent 24 percent of U.S. energy requirements. of U.S. energy requirements. Heats Heats 51 percent 51 percent of U.S. households. of U.S. households. Cools homes and provides fuel for cooking. Cools homes and provides fuel for cooking. Provides the energy source or raw material to make a wide range of products, such as plastics, steel, glass, synthetic fabrics, fertilizer, aspirin, Provides the energy source or raw material to make a wide range of products, such as plastics, steel, glass, synthetic fabrics, fertilizer, aspirin, automobiles and processed food.automobiles and processed food.Natural gas demand is growing:Natural gas demand is growing:Americans used Americans used 23.2 trillion cubic feet23.2 trillion cubic feet of it in 2008. of it in 2008. Natural gas supplies about Natural gas supplies about 64.9 million residential customers and 5.5 million commercial and industrial customers64.9 million residential customers and 5.5 million commercial and industrial customers in 2007. in 2007. It powers nearly It powers nearly 120,000 vehicles120,000 vehicles operating on American roads. operating on American roads.Supply:Supply:At the end of 2008, U.S. natural gas reserves stood at 244.7 trillion cubic feet—the highest level in over 30 years. At the end of 2008, U.S. natural gas reserves stood at 244.7 trillion cubic feet—the highest level in over 30 years. The United States produced The United States produced 20.6 trillion cubic feet (TCF)20.6 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of natural gas in 2008—about of natural gas in 2008—about 88 percent 88 percent of U.S. consumption. of U.S. consumption. Most natural gas used in the United States comes from North America.Most natural gas used in the United States comes from North America.Hydraulic fracturingHydraulic fracturing is a proven technology that has been used since the 1940s in more than 1 million wells in the United States to help produce oil is a proven technology that has been used since the 1940s in more than 1 million wells in the United States to help produce oil and natural gas. The technology involves pumping a water-sand mixture into underground rock layers where the oil or gas is trapped. The pressure of and natural gas. The technology involves pumping a water-sand mixture into underground rock layers where the oil or gas is trapped. The pressure of the water creates tiny fissures in the rock. The sand holds open the fissures, allowing the oil or gas to escape and flow up the well.the water creates tiny fissures in the rock. The sand holds open the fissures, allowing the oil or gas to escape and flow up the well.Is hydraulic fracturing widely used?Is hydraulic fracturing widely used? Yes, and its use is likely to increase. A government-industry study found that up to 80 percent of natural gas Yes, and its use is likely to increase. A government-industry study found that up to 80 percent of natural gas wells drilled in the next decade will require hydraulic fracturing. Hydraulic fracturing allows access to formations, like shale oil and wells drilled in the next decade will require hydraulic fracturing. Hydraulic fracturing allows access to formations, like shale oil and shale gasshale gas, that , that had not been assessable before without the technology. It also allows more oil and natural gas be to be brought to the surface from wells that had had not been assessable before without the technology. It also allows more oil and natural gas be to be brought to the surface from wells that had been produced without this technology.been produced without this technology.Doesn’t hydraulic fracturing present a serious threat to the environment?Doesn’t hydraulic fracturing present a serious threat to the environment? No. The environmental track record is good, and the technology is No. The environmental track record is good, and the technology is employed under close regulatory supervision by state, local and federal regulators. Hydraulic fracturing has been used in nearly one million wells in employed under close regulatory supervision by state, local and federal regulators. Hydraulic fracturing has been used in nearly one million wells in the United States and studies by the U.S. EPA and the Ground Water Protection Council have confirmed no direct link between hydraulic fracturing the United States and studies by the U.S. EPA and the Ground Water Protection Council have confirmed no direct link between hydraulic fracturing operations and groundwater impacts.operations and groundwater impacts.

RESOURCES AND LINKS TO IMPORTANT INFORMATION

http://www.api.org/policy/exploration/upload/Hydraulic_Fracturinghttp://www.api.org/policy/exploration/upload/Hydraulic_Fracturing

http://www.hydraulicfracturing.com/Pages/informationhttp://www.hydraulicfracturing.com/Pages/information

http://water.epa.gov/type/groundwater/uic/class2/hydraulicfracturinghttp://water.epa.gov/type/groundwater/uic/class2/hydraulicfracturing

http://www.msetc.org/http://www.msetc.org/

http://strongerinc.org/http://strongerinc.org/

http://www.marcellus.psu.edu/resources/maps.phphttp://www.marcellus.psu.edu/resources/maps.php

http://live.psu.edu/tag/Marcellus_shalehttp://live.psu.edu/tag/Marcellus_shale

http://extension.psu.edu/naturalgashttp://extension.psu.edu/naturalgas

http://www.wpsu.org/gasrush/http://www.wpsu.org/gasrush/

http://www.marcellus-shale.us/http://www.marcellus-shale.us/

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