Just The Fracks! Facts About Fracking Fluid!

"Not Aware of Any Proven Case Where the Fracking Process Itself Has Affected Water" Lisa Jackson, Head of the EPA, May 24, 2011
What is the Composition of Fracking Fluid? FACT: Fracking fluid consists of 99.5% water and sand. The remaining one half of one percent (0.5%) consists of various chemicals, most of which are found in household and consumer products people use every day and pose little to no risk to human health when used in small or trace amounts. What Chemicals are Used in Hydraulic Fracturing? FACT: Typical additives used in hydraulic fracturing fluid include: sodium chloride (found in table salt), ethylene glycol (found in household cleaners), borate salts (found in cosmetics), sodium/potassium carbonate (found in detergents), guar gum (found in ice cream), and isopropanol (found in deodorant). How Far Underground Does Hydraulic Fracturing Take Place? FACT: Hydraulic fracturing wells typically reach 6,000 feet below the surface (the approximate length of 4 Empire State Buildings), far below aquifers where groundwater is found. How Are Hydraulic Fracturing Wells Constructed? FACT: Hydraulic fracturing wells are constructed of layers of steel piping, known as casing. Each well requires 3 MILLION pounds of steel and cement, shielding aquifers via a 10-inch armored barrier. Hydraulic fracturing wells meet American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-accredited standards. How Much Fracking Fluid Rises to the Surface? FACT: In Pennsylvanias Marcellus Shale Formation, roughly 10-30% of fracking fluid rises to the surface. Fracking fluid that comes to the surface is known as flowback water. How is Fracking Flowback Water Handled? FACT: Fracking flowback water is either recycled/reused, disposed of by water treatment facilities or injected in permitted disposal wells (known as Class II UIC wells) deep underground. Disposal of flowback water is managed in accordance with federal and/or state regulations and in compliance with the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act. There are more than 800,000 UIC wells throughout the United States used to store industrial waste and for other purposes. However, only around 151,000 are used by the oil and gas industry. What is Hydraulic Fracturings Safety Record? FACT: Studies by the Ground Water Protection Council (GWPC), an association of state regulators, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have shown no significant environmental risks as a result of proper hydraulic fracturing.

What is Hydraulic Fracturings Impact for the Economy, Jobs and Energy Consumers? FACT: Hydraulic fracturing has been a boon for jobs. In 2010 alone the industry supported 600,000 jobs. By 2035 it is estimated that the industry will support close to 2,000,000 jobs. Accordingly, lower natural gas prices due to hydraulic fracturing are expected to add almost $1,000 in disposable income per every American household from 2012-2015 and that amount could increase to $2,000 by 2035. Sources: EnergyFromShale.org, FracFocus.org, EnergyTomorrowBlog, U.S. Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works, The Heritage Foundation