Impact of Shale Gas Development on Regional Water Quality

Vidic, R. D. and Brantley, S. L. and Vandenbossche, J. M. and Yoxtheimer, D. and Abad, J.D (2013) Impact of Shale Gas Development on Regional Water Quality. Science, 340 (6134). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1235009

Full text not available from this repository.

Abstract

Unconventional natural gas resources offer an opportunity to access a relatively clean fossil fuel that could potentially lead to energy independence for some countries. Horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing make the extraction of tightly bound natural gas from shale formations economically feasible. These technologies are not free from environmental risks, however, especially those related to regional water quality, such as gas migration, contaminant transport through induced and natural fractures, wastewater discharge, and accidental spills. We review the current understanding of environmental issues associated with unconventional gas extraction. Improved understanding of the fate and transport of contaminants of concern and increased long-term monitoring and data dissemination will help manage these water-quality risks today and in the future.

[error in script]
Item Type: Article
Subjects: Methodology > Other-additional study
Inducing technology > Unconventional hydrocarbon extraction
Project: SHEER project