Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking (fraking for all the BSG fans) is a technique for extracting greater volumes of natural gas from reservoirs in shale formations. It involves pumping a high pressure slurry of sand, water and chemicals into horizontal wells. While industry officials claim it can be done with minimal environmental impact, a recent explosion of fracking in the Marcellus Shale formation in Pennsylvania and New York has led to numerous instances of groundwater contamination and other terrible things.
Craig Saunter's well became contaminated after a gas company began fracking near his home in PAMichigan Radio is running a series on the potential consequences and benefits of expanded fraking in Michigan (Part 1, 2, 3, 4). The Tip of the Mit Watershed Council has a good FAQ covering fraking in the state.
Gasland, a recent film documents the current state of fracking in the US. It does not paint a pretty picture. Maybe fracking isn't Michigan's best option.
Photos via: Shaleshock
HaHA! Gasland was in the Traverse City Film Festival this past summer. Shameless plug.
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