Hydraulic fracturing techniques have opened a new book on oil and natural gas development in the Rocky Mountains and on the Great Plains.
Hydraulic fracturing — sometimes called “fracking” — involves injecting fluid into gas-filled shale formations at very high pressures to create man-made fractures which allow hydrocarbon production.
Fracking, a technology in prevalent use for more than 60 years, has made natural gas production from these new reservoirs possible, raised revenue for Colorado and states in the region, and created thousands of new jobs. Unfortunately, some have called for federal oversight of fracking, pre-empting state authority. Others have even promoted a moratorium on all fracking-assisted development, similar to the regulations currently in place in New York.
Last year, Colorado had its third- best year for oil and gas permits, but the fracking bonanza comes with a cost. With increased drilling come increased surface use and more chances for spills and accidents. Fracking is noisy, requires significant amounts of water, and puts more heavy trucks on country roads. The biggest concern, however, is the potential for water pollution.
Fracking fluids vary, but usually are more than 99 percent water and solids. The remainder are additives that promote the fluid’s flow through pores in the rock, H2S suppressants and corrosion inhibitors. The solids are the “proppant,” typically sand or ceramic pellets that prop the cracks open and allow oil or gas to flow to the well. Colorado requires energy companies to disclose the chemicals used in fracking.
No evidence directly connects injection of fracking fluid into shale with aquifer contamination. In 2004, the Environmental Protection Agency released a study finding no confirmed instances of drinking water contamination by fracking fluids in the ground. This finding is not surprising as fracking fluid is pumped through a concrete-lined borehole to formations thousands of feet below aquifers. After environmentalists criticized the 2004 study, another study by the EPA is planned for completion in 2012.
The potential for water contamination comes after fracking has occurred. After use, the fracking fluid is pumped back to the surface. This “flowback” is often salty and not potable. If improperly handled, it could potentially harm surface water just like other liquid waste from drilling operations. Methods are being developed to reuse, treat, or contain used fracking fluid.
In 2008, the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission overhauled its regulations governing drilling, adding provisions that specifically cover fracking. Colorado is widely recognized as being a leader in the development of drilling regulations. For example, the COGCC imposed new regulations requiring flowback pits to be inspected and permitted, provided for monitoring of containment to prevent flowback fluids in the pits from contaminating soil, groundwater or surface waters.
Colorado and its neighbors are blessed with a host of targets for oil and natural gas development. From the fledging Niobrara Shale Formation in northeast Colorado to the gas fields arrayed along Colorado’s western and southern borders, fracking and horizontal drilling have revolutionized domestic production. A responsive state regulatory framework and vigorous, impartial enforcement of those regulations are necessary for sound development. Draconian measures such as drilling moratoriums or federal oversight of fracking are not.
Chris Kulander is a Houston attorney and a former geophysicist for the U.S. Geological Survey in Denver.
