Shale Gas
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In our society the issue relating to the environment and ways to protect it are of high-priority. It was reported that over 250 communities in the United States, France and Bulgaria have banned fracking due to its negative environmental effects. (“Fracking.” Food Water Watch General) The process of fracking is used to extract shale gas. This procedure consists of drilling a well vertically at a certain depth. Then the fracking fluid is pumped into the well which causes shale gas to be extracted out of the well. (“Fracking: The Process | Clean Water Action.”) The extraction of shale gas is a billion dollar industry and produces debate over the “economic advantages vs. environmental disadvantages.” The extraction and exploration of shale gas should not be allowed in Quebec due to the pollution it creates in the air, the contamination of the water we drink and the destruction of the ecosystem and communities we live in.
The extraction of shale gas contaminates our air which has detrimental effects on our health. In areas where shale gas has been allowed and practiced, ozone layers have increased. (“Catskill Mountainkeeper.”) There has been found to be a direct correlation between areas with high ozone layers and increased asthma level. (“Catskill Mountainkeeper.”) A new study on June 25, 2012 proved that high ozone pollution also causes changes to the heart which can include heart attacks. (“Catskill Mountainkeeper.”) Shale gas creates air pollutants at all phases of the fracking process. (“Catskill Mountainkeeper.”) When the wells are being maintained, levels of dust are being stirred which can create dense levels of smog in the air. (“Catskill Mountainkeeper.”) When the shale gas is extracted, fracking fluid is released into the atmosphere. Companies do not disclose the information of the contents of the fracking fluid. Samples from well site have shown that the liquids contain: formaldehyde, acetic acids, citric acids, and boric acids, among hundreds of other contaminants. (“Catskill Mountainkeeper.”) Many of these chemicals alone can be dangerous. The effects of these chemicals include: irritation of the eyes, problems with the upper respiratory system, decrease of sexual activity. (“Catskill Mountainkeeper.”) Fracking does not only affect people who are nearby, but also can have a direct impact on people that are 40 to 100 miles away. (“Catskill Mountainkeeper.”)
There have been numerous documented cases of fracking affecting the water supplies of nearby regions. It may contaminate the water supply and thus become highly toxic, radioactive wastewater. (“Fracking: The Dangers | Clean Water Action.”) Also if there is a spill of chemicals it can contaminate the water supply. There have been over 1,000 documented cases of groundwater being affected by fracking. (“Fracking. Water Defense Updates) Fracking does not only contaminate water but it also uses millions of litres of fresh water from the water cycle. Wells waste 2 to 5 million litres of fresh water which will ultimately be contaminated by the process of fracking. (“Fracking: The Dangers | Clean Water Action.”) Quebec cannot afford to waste such precious fresh-water. Quebec has a distinct advantage over many other countries as their fresh water source is abundant but if they allow shale gas extraction it will contaminate the water and waste the advantage we have.
The constructions of these wells are also destroying our own land and wildlife. The increased numbers of wells being dug are creating negative affects on our landscape. This process takes away thousands of acres of forests which is destroying our ecosystem. (Hydraulic Fracturing or “Fracking”) The people living nearby the well construction have a negative