Environmental Impact of the Shale Oil and Gas Industry - Essay Example

?Introduction Due to the fact that the extraction and processing of natural or energy resource for mass consumption can be cause adverse outcomes notonly in financial aspects but on the environment as well, the extraction of shale gas from shale formations has been an important concern in France and throughout the world. In order to facilitate the progress and utilize the flow of gas, there is a need to make use of extraction techniques that are carried out through water and hydraulic pressures in order break down the shale formations (Brendow 2003). To provide assistance for such process, different types of lubricating chemicals are incorporated. Owing to such occurrences, water usage has been greatly affected in areas that are utilized for shale gas production with which communities have recognized the adverse effects of shale gas drilling on their water quality and watersheds. Moreover, studies have also pointed out the potential of shale gas to bring about methane emissions and its contributions to global warming (Kattel 2003). These reports have, therefore, emphasized the need to conduct further research on the impact of shale gas on the environment and the society as a whole along with effective measures that can help control its negative outcomes. Environmental programs in France and in different countries have aimed to promote an affordable, reliable, and sustainable supply of oil and natural gas, through the use of technologies that comply to environmental regulations. The increase of environmental protection during shale gas and oil operations along with the development, use, and management of environmental regulatory frameworks has been emphasized (Raukas 2005). A number of trends have currently increased the need to conduct research into the means of reducing the environmental impact of gas and oil production. For example, stakeholders of various levels have taken interest into making favorable decisions with regards to land use options and the use of scientifically reliable data which exhibit the costs and advantages of energy development. While there has been a decline in the traditional production of natural gas, the options for replacing such processes, particularly the use of shale and coal, typically involve the possibilities for increasing water demand, disposal of wastewater, and surface disturbances. These sociological occurrences have emphasized the need for scientific information and technological advancements for managing the concerns which energy producers and policy makers are faced with. Although regulations have been implemented in limiting the use of natural oil and gas resources due to perceptions that improper exploitation may lead to environmental damages, hydraulic fracturing is still widely carried out, consuming millions of gallons of water within each treatment. Large portions of water are also flown back and disposed (Kamenev, Munter, Pikkov, and Kekisheva 2003). Thus, the possibilities for future development with regards to the use of unconventional oil resources, such as shale, have increased the communities’ concerns toward the impact of such activities on water, land, and air resources. Environmental Impact of the Shale Oil and Gas Industry The impact of the oil shale industry, which produces shale gas, is prevalent across various aspects including air and water pollution, waste management, and land use as caused about by extracting and processing oil shale. Surface mining that is carried out for oil shale deposits is the primary cause associated with open-pit mining and its adverse effects on the environment (Kahru and Pollumaa 2006). Furthermore, thermal processing along with combustion produce waste material that should be carefully disposed of as well as hazardous atmospheric emissions, such as carbon dioxide that is considered a major greenhouse gas. Thus, these suggest the great potential of shale gas production for contributing to global warming. While carbon capture and storage technology can reduce such environmental concerns in the future, such resources can further bring about negative outcomes, including groundwater pollution. Specifically, shale gas production requires surface mining along with in-situ processing that should be carried out with extensive land use. Upon mining, processing, and disposing waste materials, the land should be reserved and isolated from traditional uses; it also calls for the need to avoid population areas that are of high density. Thus, production of shale gas eventually reduces the diversity within the ecosystem in relation to its habitats and their support for various plants and animals (Pollumaa, Maloveryan, Trapido, Sillak, and Kahru 2001). When the mining process is finished, the land used will have to be reclaimed; however, such process will require a longer period of time as it may not necessarily be able to efficiency recreate the original biodiversity. Sub-surface mining may further bring about surface subsidence brought about by the disintegration of mined-out areas and stone drifts. Mining waste disposal, oil shale consumption, and combustion ashes all require additional land usage; once the processing is done, waste material occupy will occupy a greater amount of volume than the extracted material and may not be entirely disposed underground. Therefore, if mining and processing are carried out for 100 million tons of oil shale, it is expected that millions of tons of solid waste, mining waste, and combustion ashes will be generated, bringing about harmful effects on the environment and the society, in general. Waste material can often release pollutants, such as heavy metals, sulfates, and polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which can also be toxic and cause certain diseases, particularly cancer, among individuals. Mining for shale gas also has a significant impact on water management with which it affects the water runoff pattern in the used areas. This process will require that groundwater levels be further lowered, negatively affecting the surrounding land and forest areas (Tuvikene et al. 1999). As the oil shale processing includes waste waters that contain tar, phenols, and harmful products that are toxic to the environment, one of the most important environmental concerns is the prevention of hazardous materials in entering the water supply. Aside from water contamination, power plants that make use of shale products produce atmospheric emissions that release hazardous gaseous products, such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrogen chloride. Carbon dioxide is typically produced through the decomposition of carbonate materials and kerogen during the process of extraction, energy generation for processing operations, fuel usage during rock mining, and waste disposal (Sahasrabudhe, Melillo,and Dertzbaugh 2011). Control for Shale Gas Production Owing to these unfavorable outcomes of the processes employed by the oil shale industry in the production of shale gas, it has become a concern for the industry, the government, and the community as a whole to prevent such adverse effects on health and the environment. To address these issues, a number of operations and measures have been designed and implemented to ensure that the use of land and water will be environment-friendly and air pollution be minimized. For example, the use of management processes and technological processes have been widely applied for chemical processing and commercial-scale planning applications (Bureau of Land Management 2008). In-situ processes have also been required to prevent groundwater from being contaminated by gases and sediments that have been produced from the mining and extraction process. Freeze-wall technologies have also been tested as a means for isolating ground water from in-situ processing areas until the flushing and overall clean-up of all used and heated areas have been carried out. Projects for production of oil shale and shale gas have been required to provide permits and approvals from various government levels. However, due to the development of environmental laws, while some permitting processes have been enhanced, permitting delays have also been prevalent and serve as an impediment to numerous mining and industrial activities. Despite efforts for managing the exploitation and production of gas, there is still a need to reinforce or modify current guidelines and practices for environment safety. Experimental Studies by the French Environmental Charter Various government laws and regulations have been applied to the development of oil shale and shale gas in France. In particular, the French Environmental Charter was integrated into the French Constitution in February 2005 to provide the right for every citizen to public health and a life within a balanced environment (ICLG 2010). In February of 2011, the French government implemented an inspection commission regarding shale gas with which issues on shale gas development and exploitation were analyzed with regards to its adherence to environmental laws and priority actions. Although the report emphasized the agreement to further conduct exploration activities for shale gas development in France, it was strongly suggested that amendments were to be implemented including the strict control over exploration activities, increased environmental protection, and allocation of relevant information to increase public awareness. Evidently, France possesses oil and gas resources which remain unknown due to the lack of research work necessary for its estimation. While these resources are economically exploitable, it has been recognized that the negative effects brought about by shale gas and oil production should be significantly reduced. For example, it was brought to attention that there is still a great need to design and implement innovative approaches in order to optimize drilling in such a way that these activities will promote the protection of the environment. Governmental officials and organizations have expressed their concern towards the risks of such activities on the land, water, air, and other natural resources. The French Commission asserts that technical mastery should be demonstrated in controlling the production of shale gas and oil in the country to put a limit to industrial activity and reduce environmental impact. This includes possessing a good grasp and knowledge of local geology and hydro-geology; recognition of the most efficient technologies available; and complete understanding of mining policies in order to thoroughly exert controls. In addition, because it will be harmful to the country’s economy, employment market, and environmental conditions to conduct activities that have not been properly planned and implemented, it was suggested that a scientific research program should be carried out at a national or European level to examine hydraulic fracturing techniques used for shale gas production and their impact on the environment. In relation to the Causses-Cevennes, the knowledge and understanding of aquifers and their association with karst formations was also emphasized as this knowledge plays an important role for water resources management. Creating a number of experimental wells along with custom-made instruments may also be carried out to ensure the adherence to environmental concerns. In relation, a National Scientific Committee that is comprised of experts from the Bureau de Recherches Geologiques et Minieres (BRGM), Institut Francais du Petrole Energies Nouvelles (IFPEN), Institut National de L’environnement Industriel et des Risques (INERIS), and foreign researchers who will ensure the reliability, quality, and clarity of the proposed studies and research and assess environmental risks that may be brought about by exploration. The Scientific Committee will then provide advice with regards to environment-friendly drilling activities necessary for shale gas production. This will guarantee the usage of all appropriate and efficient technologies, especially for the quality of effective implementation. Activities will be conducted for the control of the fracturing process and assurance of the absence of pollution and other environmental risks (Leteurtrois, Durville, Pillet, and Gazeau 2011). The local information committees that are comprised of representatives and associations for environmental protection will be created in every department. The experimental phase will be utilized for the gathering and reinforcement of services that influence mining policies. Upon achieving results, the French commission has recommended that the rules and policies associated with the investigation and exploitation of bedrock hydrocarbons to be appropriately modified and reorganized to increase public information and allow the community to comply with both national and European environmental policies with regards to shale gas production. Consultation procedures should also be carried out before exploration and exploitation activities are given permission. Updating technical regulations, such as limiting the number of fracturing additives which are found to be harmless to the environment, can be beneficial as a guideline for environmental practices whereas revision of oil taxes may also be a means of encouraging local communities to become involved in safe hydrocarbon exploitation within their areas. Conducting experimental studies will consequently assist the country in making reasonable decisions regarding the exploitation of shale gas and oil in such a way that hazardous activities are reduced and environmental safety and preservation is supported. The experimental studies carried out by France can come up with findings that will be used as a basis for planning and implementing sustainable guidelines for gas production; nonetheless, the availability of technology still plays a major role in increasing the effectiveness of environment-friendly practices. Technological innovations within the gas exploration and production sector can provide relevant assistance in ensuring that the production of shale gas is successfully carried out while adhering to environment guidelines and avoiding hazards. Generally, these technologies have been created to facilitate a more safe, resourceful, and environment-friendly exploration and production of gas. Innovative exploration techniques can reduce the reliance on hazardous methods and reduce the negative impact of gas production activities on the environment (Zobacka, Kitasei, and Copithorne 2010). For example, the use of CO2 Sand Fracturing also contributed to the creation and enlargement of cracks that will allow oil and gas to flow freely. When the CO2 vaporizes, ground wastes are significantly reduced and groundwater sources are preserved. IN addition, 3D and 4D seismic imaging can alter the nature of gas exploration as it allows exploration teams to view and examine the changes in subsurface characteristics within a period of time. Consequently, they will be capable of identifying gas prospects in a more accurate manner, placing wells more appropriately, reducing the number of drilled dry holes, as well as reducing overall costs, thereby bringing about both environmental and economic advantages. Moreover, Environmental Risks and Recommended Practices Understanding the methods used for extracting and producing gas from shale formations along with the safety practices that have been developed to prevent or reduce environmental hazards play a critical role in evaluating the sources and levels of risk associated with shale gas development. For instance, an issue that has been frequently reported regarding the development of shale gas is the subsurface contamination of ground water. Hydraulic fracturing operations that are carried out in deep shale formations can create fractures which can extend beyond the target border or formation, allowing the methane and other contaminants formed in the water to flow into drinking water supplies. To address this issue, seismic monitoring has been developed as a tool to ensure that hydraulic fracturing, including its microseismic activities, will only be carried out within the targeted gas reservoir (Grunewald 2006). Assurance of the public in the safety of such activities can be significantly enhanced through regular microseismic monitoring and communication of the results to the community. Regulations which require cement and steel casing used in gas well construction to comply with the recommended standards should also be rigorously followed; testing and monitoring can also allow for the checking of the quality of cement jobs. Blowouts have also been commonly experienced, thereby highlighting the need to collect accurate data about the subsurface. It should also be ensured that all workers in drill sites have the adequate training for managing unexpected occurrences, such as blowouts. Although drilling and other activities can be conducted in adherence to government regulations and the industry’s recommended practices, various decisions in the actual work setting should be made by workers who have the adequate knowledge and experience along with the strong enforcement of environmental guidelines to guarantee high levels of safety for the public and the environment. Flowback water that passes from wells can be dealt with through disposal at waste water treatment facilities, allowing treated water to be discharged into surface water bodies, including streams and rivers. Tools that are used for transferring fluids between the wellhead and storage tanks should also undergo frequent monitoring and testing to reduce the likelihood of spills. Precautions must also be taken during the transportation of produced water to treatment sites. Operators and regulators alike should be capable of putting their efforts together to look into opportunities for water conservation and produced water recycling. An increase in the re-use of fluids through fracturing can decrease the demands for water supplies used by the community. As drilling can cause noise pollution, the implementation of sound barriers can also provide beneficial outcomes for the public. On the whole, gas emissions which cause local air pollution, threats to public health, and climate change can all be further reduced through control technologies, frequent monitoring, and well-organized production operations. While gas development can improve the economy and lead to employment opportunities, it can also result to increased pressures on the community’s natural resources. Thus, it is of paramount importance to cooperate with local stakeholders in reducing the effects of gas development activities on public resources and life quality (Zoback et al. 2010). References Brendow, K 2003, Global oil shale issues and perspectives: Synthesis of the symposium on oil shale (Genova), Oil Shale, vol. 20, no. 1, pp. 81-92. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) 2008, Chapter 4. Effects of Oil Shale Technologies, Proposed oil shale and tar sands resource management plan amendments to address land use allocations, Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming, pp. 3-4, Available at: http://ostseis.anl.gov/documents/fpeis/vol1/OSTS_FPEIS_Vol1_Ch4.pdf  Grunewald, E 2006, Oil shale and the environmental cost of production, Stanford University, Stanford, CA. 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