Fracking Synthesis

Logan Adams

September 28, 2012

Scientific American Synthesis

            An article in the magazine, “Scientific American,” there is an article on fracking in Wyoming and how it is related to pollution in the area. But what is fracking exactly? Fracking is a term for hydraulic fracturing which is used for acquiring resources such as gas, which is what is going on in Pavilion, Wyoming. The problem in this area though is that the wells in the area are becoming contaminated with various pollutants that are known to be used in the fracking process. This has received notice from the EPA and has forced them to conduct a survey of the area.

            The EPA released a report that stated, “The presence of synthetic compounds such as glycol ethers...and the assortment of other organic components…” which are results of the chemicals used in the fracking process mixing with the groundwater in the area. There ended up being around ten total compounds that were linked to the hydraulic fracturing process in some way. This evidence seems more or less irrefutable, even when the locals in the area began complaining of their well water turning brown after fracking begun. But the spokesman for the company who owns the wells, Doug Hock, seems to think that the company is not at fault.

            Hock doesn’t feel that EnCana, the company that is responsible for the wells that are in question, is the source of this contamination in the region and says that, “Nothing EPA presented suggests anything has changed since August of last year--the science remains inconclusive in terms of data, impact, and source.” The company is essentially denying any blame for the problem. They also elaborate on how the fracking process is completely safe and that there is no possible way for contaminants to leak out into the ground.