UNCONVENTIONAL OIL AND GAS EXTRACTION AND THEIR POTENTIAL FOR GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION AND USE

Unconventional oil and natural gas extraction fueled by horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing is driving an economic boom, with consequences described as “revolutionary” to “disastrous”. Reality lies somewhere in between. Unconventional energy generates income and, done well, can reduce air pollution compared to other fossil fuels and even water use compared to fossil fuels and nuclear energy. Alternatively, it could slow the adoption of renewables and, done poorly, release toxic chemicals into water and air. For years our research group has studied drinking water quality, asking the question, “Is water quality different for homeowners living near natural gas and oil wells compared to people living farther away?” In this talk I will answer that question for different chemical components, including stray gases, salts, metals, and organic compounds, presenting new research results and the work of others as evidence.