Hydraulic Fracturing
Separating Frac from Fiction
Hydraulic Fracturing, often called "Fracing," is a common industrial technique that allows energy companies to tap the vast amounts of clean-burning natural gas located right here in America. Well stimulation through the use of hydraulic fracturing has been used by oil and gas producers for more than 60 years without a single documented instance of groundwater contamination.
The process consists of pumping water and sand mixed with trace amounts of additives into a sealed and cemented pipe, thousands of feet below the water table. The water breaks apart the shale rock, allowing the gas to flow freely to the surface, as natural barriers in the Earth’s geology prevent any permeation. More than 95% of natural gas wells in Colorado require hydrofracturing to be productive.
The State of Colorado regulates every aspect of well construction and fracing, and it has for decades. Both the Environmental Protection Agency and Ground Water Protection Council have declared fracing to be a safe procedure.
This page serves as a repository of fact sheets and presentations on hydraulic fracturing for those who desire to know more about this vital and fascinating aspect of domestic energy production.
Hydraulic Fracturing Facts
COGA
4-page fact sheet on fracing in Colorado and the nation and list of common additives. Put together by the Colorado Oil & Gas Association.
Full Disclosure: Fracing fluids
Energy In Depth
Separating fact from fiction on what’s involved in hydraulic fracturing, what’s not, and where you can go for additional information.
State Oil and Natural Gas Regulations Designed to Protect Water Resources
Groundwater Protection Council
A 2009 study by a respected nonprofit conducted in conjunction with the US Department of Energy. Click here for a list of important quotes from the study on the adequacy of state regulation.
Hydraulic Fracturing: Clean, Safe Method to Recover Natural Gas
Natural Gas Supply Association
One-page fact sheet on the basics of fracing, including a list of common additives. Published in 2009.
Hydraulic Fracturing at a Glance
American Petroleum Institute
Pamphlet containing numerous graphics depicting hydrofracturing and well casing techniques.
Hydraulic Fracturing Fact Sheet
Chesapeake Energy
Includes a detailed breakdown of the various constituents in fracing fluids.
Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids
Energy In Depth
A short, one-page explanation.
Hydraulic Fracturing: Effects on Energy Supply, the Economy, and the Environment
The Independent Petroleum Association of America
Document describing the importance of fracing to the continued production of clean-burning natural gas.
Hydraulic Fracturing/TRI Issues Chronology
A look at the 60-year history of hydraulic fracturing and its regulatory framework.
Hydraulic Fracturing: The Washington Legislative Issues
The Independent Petroleum Association of America
Slides explaining federal fracing regulations.
Resolution Opposing US Representatives DeGette and Polis Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness for Chemicals Act of 2009
Mesa County (CO) Board of County Commissioners
A May 2009 resolution passed unanimously by the Commissioners of Mesa County emphasizing the adequacy of state regulations and opposing federal intervention.
Review of ProPublica article as Published in Scientific American
EnCana
Line-by-line review of a controversial ProPublica publication.
Evaluating the Environmental Implications of Hydraulic Fracturing in Shale Gas Reservoirs
ALL Consulting
A detailed look at the process of fracing, including a discussion of the geology that ensure its safety.