Hydraulic fracking
Hydraulic
fracturing has gained popularity as one of the best technologies for drilling
and extracting natural gas. Natural gas presents a better alternative source of
energy to the currently existing energy sources in the U.S. Hydraulic
fracturing has been employed by a number of countries in the extraction of
natural gas despite the environmental and health risk concerns surrounding the
technology. In addition to the economical advantages, hydraulic fracturing is
an innovative drilling technology that ensures the availability of natural gas.
Similar to
any other technology, hydraulic fracking has it benefits and pitfalls in equal
measure. Compared to alternative drilling technologies employed in the
extraction of natural gas, hydraulic fracking stands out to be the best. The economical aspects
associated with this technology are far beyond the risks associated with its
embrace as a method of extracting natural gas. Hydraulic fracturing ensures an
increase availability of natural gas which in turn translates to an additional
energy source to the national energy supply. As such, the society gains
economically through job creation, lease settlements and energy cost savings
through reduced prices. Through this drilling technology, countries like the
U.S has witnessed a boom in heir natural gas supply thus economic benefits as
well.
A number of
concerns have been raised pertaining to the use of this technology in the
extraction of natural gas. Critics argue that the use of hydraulic fracturing
presents both health risks and environmental impacts. The fluids used in the
extraction process contain toxic chemicals that find their way in to ground
water supply. This affects both the availability and quality of ground water. The
toxic chemicals released in the ground water poses a threat to the ecosystem as
well as health risk to the population around the drilling plants .In conclusion, the economic benefits
associated with this technology far outweigh its pitfalls in terms of
environmental impacts and health risks. A number of policies and strategies
have been developed to mitigate the health risks and environmental impacts.
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