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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.
Michigan 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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