Is Ohio the Next “Frontier of Fracking?”

December 9, 2011

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Environmental groups say more must be done to ensure that Ohio does not become the next "frontier of fracking." Horizontal hydraulic fracturing, the drilling method commonly known as "fracking," involves injecting millions of gallons of water and chemicals into deep underground wells to break up rock and release natural gas.

While supporters say it provides a substantial source of energy, some of the chemicals are toxic and the process is hazardous to the environment, says Matt Trokan, water conservation coordinator for the Sierra ClubOhio Chapter.

"Fracking is very different than conventional drilling and it threatens our water and our air, particularly the disposal of waste water from the fracking activities."

Currently there are 40 horizontally-fractured wells in Ohio – and 4,000 more expected in the next four years. Natural gas companies are not required to disclose the chemicals used in fracking, and Trokan says the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency cannot properly monitor all the horizontal drilling and wastewater disposal sites. His group and others insist more research is needed, along with better policies and regulations to ensure public and environmental health.

http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?/content/article/23656-1