EPA - Proceedings of the Technical Workshops for the Hydraulic Fracturing Study: Chemical & Analytical Methods

Full PDF:  http://water.epa.gov/type/groundwater/uic/class2/hydraulicfracturing/upload/proceedingsofhfchemanalmethodsfinalmay2011.pdf

Excerpt from  Elucidating Water Contamination by Fracturing Fluids and Formation Waters from Gas Wells: Integrating Isotopic and Geochemical Tracer by Avner Vengosh, Nathaniel Warner, Stephen Osborn, Rob Jackson Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University

"This presentation highlights the use of several isotope‐fingerprinting methods coupled with a

geochemical evaluation of the possible impacts of fracturing fluids and formation waters on the

quality of water resources in gas‐drilled affected areas. The presentation is based on

preliminary data generated as part of Duke University research on the impact of gas drilling and

fracturing fluids on shallow groundwater resources in Pennsylvania and New York. The study

presented here is based on (1) systematic sampling of shallow groundwater from private wells

from the Catskill aquifer in northeastern Pennsylvania in an attempt to establish baseline water

quality data in areas that are expected to be affected by gas drilling and hydro‐ fracturing; (2)

systematic analysis of the chemical and isotopic compositions of brines from the Marcellus

Shale, one of the major target formations for unconventional gas exploration in the

Appalachian basin; and (3) integration of geochemical (major and trace elements), water

isotopes (δ 18 O, δ2 H), and dissolved salt isotopes ( 11 B/ 10 B, 87 Sr/ 86 Sr, 228 Ra/ 226 Ra) of  o‐produced waters from a gas well in Pennsylvania. Boron and strontium isotopes were measured by

thermal ionization mass spectrometry (Triton mass spectrometer) at Duke University using

advanced methods with analytical reproducibility of 0.6‰ and 0.01‰, respectively

(http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/tims/). Radium isotopes were measured at the Laboratory for

Environmental Analysis of RadioNuclides at Duke University (http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/learn/). Trace metals were measured by VG PlasmaQuad‐3  inductively coupled plasma mass‐spectrometer (ICP‐MS) at Duke University." 

.......

"Overall, our study indicates that a detailed survey of the baseline chemical and isotopic

compositions of shallow groundwater is crucial in evaluating possible contamination of

flowback fracturing fluids and co‐produced formation waters from gas wells. Our preliminary

investigation of the Catskill formation groundwater from northeastern PA clearly shows

significant chemical and isotopic differences between the shallow groundwater and the

Marcellus brines and/or fracturing fluids mixed with the Marcellus brines. The ability to

delineate trace levels of formation / fracturing waters in very early stages of water

contamination depends on integration of multiple geochemical and isotopic tracers that could

provide reliable and sensitive detections of contamination by effluents associated with hydro‐

fracturing and gas drilling"

IMPACTS OF GAS DRILLING ON HUMAN AND ANIMAL HEALTH

ABSTRACT

"Environmental concerns surrounding drilling for gas are intense due to expansion of shale gas drilling operations. Controversy surrounding the impact of drilling on air and water quality has pitted industry and lease - holders against individuals and groups concerned with environmental protection and public health. Because animals often are exposed continually to air, soil, and groundwater and have more frequent reproductive cycles, animals can be used as sentinels to monitor impacts to human health. Thisstudy involved interviews with animal owners who live near gas drilling operations. The findings illustrate which aspects of the drilling process may lead to health problems and suggest modifications that would lessen but not eliminate impacts. Complete evidence regarding health impacts of gas drilling cannot be obtained due to incomplete testing and disclosure of chemicals, and nondisclosure agreements. Without rigorous scientific studies, the gas drilling boom sweeping the world will remain an uncontrolled health experiment on an enormous scale."

http://ia700801.us.archive.org/1/items/ImpactsOfGasDrillingOnHumanAndAnimalHealth/Bamberger_Oswald_NS22_in_press.pdf

Exposing the Oil and Gas Industry’s False Jobs Promise for Shale Gas Development

Excerpt: 

"The oil and gas industry, industry-funded academics and ideological think tanks have promoted shale gas development — through the controversial process of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking — as a sure-fire job creator during difficult economic times. Food & Water Watch closely examined a recent report touting the job-creation potential of shale gas development and found numerous inaccuracies and methodological flaws. Even after correcting for these problems, questions remain about the validity of using economic forecasting models to predict the economic impacts of expanded shale gas development. The oil and gas industry, industry-funded academics and ideological think tanks have promoted shale gas development — through the controversial process of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking — as a sure-fire job creator during difficult economic times. Food & Water Watch closely examined a recent report touting the job-creation potential of shale gas development and found numerous inaccuracies and methodological flaws. Even after correcting for these problems, questions remain about the validity of using economic forecasting models to predict the economic impacts of expanded shale gas development."

...

"Correcting for these five points reduces the PPINYS projection of direct jobs from 15,500 down to 3,469 created by 2018, assuming 500 new wells drilled and fracked each year. Correcting for these five points reduces the PPINYS projection of direct jobs from 15,500 down to 3,469 created by 2018, assuming 500 new wells drilled and fracked each year. Correcting for these five points reduces the PPINYS projection of direct jobs from 15,500 down to 3,469 created by 2018, assuming 500 new wells drilled and fracked each year." 

http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/tools-and-resources/exposing-the-oil-and-gas-industrys-false-jobs-promise/

Complete List - Localities & Private Plans Brine Spraying

http://bit.ly/Atg9xh

The Economic Value of Shale Natural Gas in Ohio

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READ FULL RESEARCH PAPER AT: http://aede.osu.edu/sites/drupal-aede.web/files/Economic%20Value%20of%20Shale%20Dec%202011.pdf

Excerpts:

"Professional economists note that long-term regional economic development requires  permanent jobs, and thus independent economists place considerably less weight on the initial construction phase associated with energy development. Policies need to be developed to ensure long-term success."

"Thus, new natural gas will not significantly decrease US reliance on foreign oil unless, as publicly suggested by T. Boone Pickens, the US considers converting more buses, trucks and other vehicles to natural gas. Thus, its effects on ―energy security‖ are rather limited in the foreseeable future as increased electrical demand and the growing reliance on US natural gas will primarily be at the expense of US coal. 4"

"In 2010, the natural gas industry accounted for less than 0.4% of national employment, so even if the sector doubled in size—which is quite a stretch—overall U.S. employment would only be marginally effected (BLS).5"