Should Fracking Be Used As A Way To Extract Natural Gas?

LNG in BC
http://www.engage.gov.bc.ca/lnginbc
LNG is Liquefied Natural Gas extracted from the Earth. Recently it has been discovered that British Columbia
has an abundance of natural gas trapped below the surface. The government of British Columbia claim we have
enough to produce for 400 years. Their plan is to extract the gas through hydraulic fracturing- a process involving
high-pressure water drilling, combined with countless dangerous chemicals, and then converting the gas into a liquid
state. Immediately, they will compress it into the pipeline then ship it to international markets, specifically China. This
website is a government website and they only shed light on the upsides of this risky venture. They mention the
creation of jobs, sustainability, and economic prosperity, but not once did they clarify the negative environmental
impacts. This website is not useful to come to a consensus on whether or not fracking should be used. This is because
they are not providing the public with necessary information on the extraction process.
News Article
Stodalka, W. (Jan. 8, 2015) Fracking triggered hundreds of earthquakes in northern B.C., says Oil and Gas
Commission. Business in Vancouver.
This article, featured in Business in Vancouver, discusses one of the many side effects of hydraulic fracturing.
Earthquakes and micro quakes are always present in the areas where gas wells are being exploited. While they drill
deep underground, earthquakes are released; however, the majority of these do not reach past the surface.
Although, there have been quakes that rock the surface. The author reports from an objective point of view. They are
simply laying out the scientific facts and studies that have been conducted. If fracking continues, and the planned
massive expansion in the BC sector is approved, we will be prone to more earthquakes. It is highly possible that very
strong mega quakes can destroy our beautiful province and beloved homes.

News Article
Scheibe, J. (Jan. 14, 2015) Environmental groups gather in Oxnard to call attention to fracking. Vcstar.
Fracking is not something only occurring in Canada. For many years now, this process has been used
throughout the United States. There are currently over 500,000 active gas wells. In California and Ventura County
local environmental groups who have witnessed the effects of this dangerous extraction process have raised
concerns. The chemicals being used by these gas and oil companies are spreading through the surrounding
environment and the water supplies are becoming contaminated. I can tell the author demands justice for this
wrongdoing. The local citizens are enraged that there are wells being drilled near schools, and these students are at
risk of poisoning. This report is a very good example of some of the dangers of fracking. Clearly, there needs to be
more restrictions and a change of policy regarding how and where hydraulic fracturing occurs.
WhatIsFracking
http://www.what-is-fracking.com/
This website is an easy to navigate guide displaying most information on what hydraulic fracturing is. They
describe fracking as a safe method to extract natural gas using technologically advanced horizontal and vertical drills.
It is not obvious who the author is, but it would appear that they are in favor of fracking. Their twitter name is
@energyfromshale, that leads me to believe they are sponsored by an oil and gas company. This article is not very
useful in coming to the conclusion of whether or not fracking should be used. This is because they do not tell you

about the studies proving that the environment and land is greatly polluted with poisonous chemicals. Under the
What is in fracking fluid? section, they clearly do not list all the dangerous chemicals that are hidden in the recipe.
Dangers of Fracking
http://www.dangersoffracking.com
DangersofFracking.com is a great tool to use to learn the true nature and facts about fracking. It is a visual
representation that also highlights the negative impact on water supplies and all the health risks. This website is
inspired by Gas Land, the movie. Of course, it is obvious that they believe fracking is not worth the cost. However, i
found that this site provided some of the best information i have come across while investigating the potential
downsides of fracking. Clearly they shared the ugly truth about all the side effects of fracking. Since there are already
500,000 gas wells across the United States, it takes 72 TRILLION gallons of water to maintain the fracture sites. To
make matters worse, so many chemicals contaminate the surrounding water supplies and soil; extracting gas from
the Earth through this method is definitely not beneficial for us.
Fracking | The Council of Canadians
http://www.canadians.org/fracking
The Council of Canadians is an organization aiming to bring social justice to fracking. They oppose the natural
gas withdrawal method due to many factors, including: high carbon emissions, impact on human health, high water
usage, wildlife disruption, and water supply contamination. The Council of Canadians are doing all they can to
promote their mission, they are working with like minded groups across the nation. They are trying to raise awareness
about the ugly truth the government is not telling you. I think fracking should not be used as a way to extract natural
gas. Soon enough- if multi-billion dollar evil companies and the greedy government get their way- you will see
fracking gas wells in your back yard. I doubt you would enjoy having your drinking water contaminated with
chemicals. The chances of your family being poisoned, and even killed, is greatly increased because fracking is known
to have many problems. All around North America there have been thousands of accidents and leaks. It is time we
stand up to defend our beautiful nation and protest against fracking.

BY: FARAZ JAVED