Overview

There is a strong need for innovation and the development of viable renewable energy sources. Recent technological advances now allow natural gas supplies—previously believed inaccessible or nonexistent—to be discovered, mined, and processed for both industrial and consumer use. The technology, a controversial process that is alternatively called hydraulic fracturing, fracking, fracing, or hydrofracking, has greatly expanded natural gas production in the United States. Presenting a balanced discussion, Environmental Impacts of Hydraulic Fracturing is a comprehensive guide to all aspects of hydraulic fracturing used to extract natural gas, along with gas exploration and production in various shale fields. As the use of hydraulic fracturing has grown, concerns about its environmental and public health impacts have also increased—one of the most significant concerns being the fluids that are injected into rock formations to cause the fracturing contain potentially hazardous chemical additives. The book covers all facets of the issue, including ongoing controversies about the environmental and operator safety issues arising from possible water pollution, drinking water contamination, on-the-job safety hazards, and harmful chemical exposure to workers and residents near well areas. The author discusses both the pros and cons of hydraulic fracturing, explaining the process in great detail. He describes the benefits of hydraulic fracturing and its importance in making the United States energy independent by drilling for its own resources, as well as the potential impacts to the surrounding environment. The text also includes suggestions and recommendations on how to mitigate environmental damage. Arguably the first book of its kind, this is the go-to text on the use and impacts of hydraulic fracturing.

Full Product Details

Author:   Frank R. Spellman (Spellman Environmental Consultants, Norfolk, Virginia, USA)
Publisher:   Taylor & Francis Inc
Imprint:   CRC Press Inc
Dimensions:   Width: 15.60cm , Height: 3.00cm , Length: 23.40cm
Weight:   0.816kg
ISBN:  

9781466514676

ISBN 10:   1466514671
Pages:   477
Publication Date:   17 September 2012
Audience:   College/higher education ,  General/trade ,  Tertiary & Higher Education ,  General
Replaced By:   9781032622019
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In Print  
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Table of Contents

Introduction. Shale Gas. Shale Gas Geology. Shale Gas Plays. Shale Gas Sources. Hydraulic Fracturing: The Process. Chemicals Used in Hydraulic Fracturing. Environmental Considerations. Laws and Regulations Affecting Shale Gas Development and Operations. Glossary. Appendices. Index.

Reviews

... a comprehensive guide to every aspect of the process of hydraulic fracturing used to extract shale gas (natural gas) from shale formations, along with gas exploration and production from various shale formations/reservoirs. The text is not biased toward any particular aspect of the process, but is presented as a balanced and objective approach. The book is an easy-to-read text and will make an excellent reference book. ... a worthy addition to the bookshelves of anyone with an interest in the concepts and effects of hydraulic fracturing. -James Speight, Petroleum Science and Technology, 2013

Author Information

Frank R. Spellman

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