Frank Miller

Dangerously Fracked
Why do we pursue Fracking? Why is it allowed? The purpose and the effect. Right
now we are in a transition phase regarding our energy. Natural gas is our mainstay
of energy in our current age. Many individuals may or may not know the effects of
what fracking does. However we can examine the evidence with local communites
where fracking is evident. Locals are known to report unusual changes in their water
wells. Fracking uses a mixtures of mud and chemicals with water that are injected
inside the ground into shale formations. The pressure breaks apart these formations
releasing the natural gas we all so inadvertently love. In turn the water is often at
times flammable. Multiple residents near fracking site have even videotaped their
water spouts taking flames after they put a lighter near it. Obviously from a health
point of view I dont think anyone in their right mind drinks fire water. However the
EPA and the FDA report these waters safe to consume. Fracking is not a new way of
finding resources, nor is it old. Currently efforts are in effect to create a selfsustaining fusion reaction. Creating renewable energy that can phase out these
natural gases.
Logically we cant do away with a current resource and find another. We have
nothing else yet! However how can we regulate fracking more effectively and
safely? Currently (SWDA) Safe Water Drinking Act, prohibits the abuse of the
environment in the hopes that our water sources stay pure. Federally that is. On a
state and municipal level any state can overturn that decision. Also they can create
their own rules and regulations concerning the safety of fracking and equipment
used as well as safety procedures. Fracked wells have been known to leak, with Josh
Fox. The producer of the movie Gasland and Gasland 2 to note the problem with
fracked wells and the problems we face if we dont regulate and do away with
fracking completely. We have yet to see major seismic activity produced from
Fracking but it is evident in frack site. It is a very good movie to see for any neutral
person on this issue.

Many local areas where Fracking is present often have different standards of laws
when it comes to durability and safety of the fracking well and processes used
during fracking. 1000 chemicals are used during a drill. These are known and or
suspected endocrine-disrupting chemicals in these mixtures. A endocrine-disruptor
is a substance that interferes with the endocrine system, sometimes causing reproductive or
developmental problems, e.g. by mimicking a natural hormone. The FDA deems these mixtures safe for
the environment. To me this doesnt seem so natural. These disruptors can cause birth defects, tumors,
and other developmental disorders. The fact that people who are at risk with exposure to these sources,
whom dont get enough recognition for their troubles. Are censored from mainstream media just because
the problem is not widespread. Even though these things dont happen on a massive scale, the people
who they happen to must be heard. The danger of using the water is ever more prevalent with continued
use of a contaminated source. No matter how low contamination levels are you will notice effects If you
keep using it.

In our homes we use natural gas for so many things. Heating the house, cooking food, and even the
fireplace. So if we did end the use of natural gas we would most definitely have a crisis. So for now we
should look to regulate the fracking process more closely and with more anticipation for future impacts of
our choices.