Hydraulic Fracturing - Essay Example

Apart from that, the chemicals also prevent corrosion of tools being used, control pH and kill bacteria. Propponants, on the other hand, include frac sand and bauxite and they are usually useful in preventing opened fractures from collapsing (King). Generally, the process has been hailed as a great advancement in the energy sector since it has made it possible for oil and natural gas reserves that in the past were difficult to reach be easily tapped..While some section of people heap praises on the process, another section is quick to point out the risks and hazards that the process posses to the environment and human health (Hassett and Mathar).

This paper seeks to support the opinion that the benefits of the process outweigh the risks. Benefits of Hydraulic Fracturing After participating in the class debate and carrying out further research, I am of the opinion that the economic benefits derived from the hydraulic fracturing process outweigh the risks and hazards associated with it. Firstly; the process has lead to increased production of oil and natural gas and thereby increasing employment opportunities in the energy sector. . Apart from that, increased production of natural gas and oil has resulted to a decrease in the prices of the same enabling energy to be cheaply accessed (American Forum).

In addition to that, increased production of natural gas means increased usage of clean energy. It is important to note that natural gas usage reduces the production of greenhouse gasses as it is pollutant free. As more natural gas is produced, electricity plants that previously used coal are starting to embrace natural gas since it is cheaper thus ensuring a cleaner environment because natural gas does not emit pollutants (Hassett and Mathar). Increased usage of natural gas will come as a relief to all stakeholders in the mitigation of climate change (American Forum).

Concerns raised about Hydraulic Fracturing During the debate, several concerns about the environmental impact of the process were raised, it was argued that the resulting fractures after the process might rub up to the shallow rocks that hold water used for human consumption thereby contaminating it. In addition to that, it was stated that in case the wall’s casing failed, the fluids used in the process would come in contact with underground water and contaminate the supply of domestic water.

The fluids also risked spilling over the surface thus contaminating surface water (King). This Contaminated water posses a huge threat to the health of people and animals that may consume it since most companies using the process never reveal the chemicals used in it (Hasset and Mathur). The opposition thus strongly insisted that hydraulic fracturing process should be eliminated. More negatives impacts of the process such as the