The controversial fracking industry has recently raised many
concerns about potential safety, health and environmental impacts of the
process, including possible contamination of groundwater. To gain a better
understanding of adverse effects of gas extraction through hydraulic
fracturing, health scientist Heather Avens, Ph.D. and colleagues researched
surface spills associated with fracking activities. Their research examined
data from the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission and addressed
potential contamination from benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX).
At the 2013 American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Expo
in Montreal, Avens shared the following key findings of her research:
- During the period between July 1, 2010, and July 2, 2011, 77 surface spills that had groundwater impact were recorded in Weld County, which had about 18,000 active wells.
- Surface spills were experienced at about 0.4% of active wells during the same period.
- An average of seven barrels of hydraulic fracturing water were spilled during each incident.
- The average area of a spill was 197m3 and the average depth was 2 meters.
- Tank battery systems represented a major point of origin for spills.
- Spills were most often caused by equipment failure.
- BTEX concentrations were significantly lower outside the excavation area than within the excavated area.
- BTEX concentrations decreased rapidly as the distance from a spill increased.
Based on these findings, Avens and other researchers offered
these recommendations:
- Well operators should conduct comprehensive chemical risk analyses to better understand surface spills.
- Water table depth and other important factors should be carefully considered.
- Equipment safety systems should be examined and enhanced as needed, especially for sites on which human attendants are not consistently present.
- Well operators must effectively communicate safety procedures and risks.
Find more information here.