Introduction

Chapter 1. ‘Fracking’ for Natural Gas Continues to Raise Health Concerns

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‘Fracking’ for Natural Gas Continues to Raise Health Concerns (June 15, 2011)

Synopsis

Energy companies are increasingly scouring the U.S. for natural gas deposits. As they do, one of the extraction methods they are using, known as fracking, is coming under sharp scrutiny for potential health consequences from the chemicals involved. Tom Bearden reports from Colorado.

Source: PBS NewsHour

Length: 8:21

Click the Next button to answer the questions.

Instructions

Watch the video and answer the following questions:

1.

The terms Fracking and Hydraulic Fracturing are synonyms, and can be used interchangably.

A.
B.

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2.

It is generally agreed upon that any potential human health issues resulting from fracking have been sufficiently addressed.

A.
B.

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3.

There is currently a suspension on the further use of fracking to obtain fossil fuels because we are uncertain of related health consequences.

A.
B.

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4.

Put in correct order the steps involved in the process of hydraulic fracturing: (1) fracking fluid is injected at high pressure (2) rock fractures release gas, which is then collected (3) drilling well through rock and soil (4) pipe is inserted and encased in concrete

A.
B.
C.
D.

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5.

Fracking near human populations has resulted in which of the following consequence for local residents?

A.
B.
C.
D.

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Instructions

Watch the video and answer the following questions:

6.

After the wellbore is drilled, a mixture of 90% water, 9% sand and 1% various chemicals are forced into the well under high pressure, which fractures the rock, releasing trapped fossil fuels. Since the mixture is almost entirely comprised of water and sand, should there really be any concern over that relatively very small proportion (1%) of various chemicals? Can you suggest a chemical compound or material that would be safe for human exposure at that concentration? Can you think of chemicals that are known to cause serious human health concerns to humans at such low concentrations?

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7.

The video states that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has begun a 2-year study investigating the safety of fracking. Yet fracking is currently widespread in many states and, according to the US Department of Energy, corporations have already hydraulically fractured more than 2 million wells. Do you think energy corporations should have the legal obligation to prove fracking processes are environmentally safe before hydraulic fracking is begun? Or, is there a justifiable reason why the fracturing practice should be allowed, and then later investigated more comprehensively for safety?

_feedback: Answers may vary

8.

With this and other environmental concerns discussed in your text, do you think that corporations should bear the burden of proof to convince others that their practices are safe? Or, do you feel that citizens should bear that burden of proof that the practices are not safe, and citizens should need to definitively prove that serious human health consequences are directly related to ongoing business practices? Do you agree with the viewpoint of the spokesperson from Encana Corporation who feels that federal oversight and regulation should not be used to address concerns associated with hydraulic fracturing? Why or why not?

_feedback: Answers may vary

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