Fracking technology and its environmental impacts

Casserly, Shane (2013) Fracking technology and its environmental impacts. Bachelors thesis, Dundalk Institute of Technology.

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Abstract

The purpose of this research is to gain an understanding of fracking technology and examine the effects fracking has had in other countries firstly, and furthermore what improvements, if any can be made in the process to reduce its environmental impact. The author will be carrying out a literature review in order to obtain a greater understanding on the need for fracking, the shale gas technology itself and will also look into the different aspects of the argument, for and against fracking. The most conventional fracking method used today is the Horizontal drilling and Stimulation process. This technique is the current method used nowadays with advancements making it hugely productive, mainly the ability to drill horizontally. Fracking, like any environmental hazard, has the ability to be a prosperous and valuable technology, one that creates plentiful jobs but the negligence from planners and operators partaking in the operations has created severe controversy. Two different case studies to portray the impacts of fracking in an everyday life situation are reviewed in this research dissertation. One case study focuses on the negative impacts of fracking and the other positive. The benefits of fracking are great but they do not diminish the potential hazardous impacts to our environment and human health. Implementation of these practices would surely reduce the possibility of such contamination occurring to the fresh water aquifer and would help improve the reputation of the fracking technology.

Item Type:	Thesis (Bachelors)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Oil and gas industry; Fracking; Horizontal drilling; Stimulation process; Environmental hazards.
Subjects:	Engineering
Research Centres:	UNSPECIFIED
Depositing User:	Sean McGreal
Date Deposited:	11 Aug 2015 08:47
Last Modified:	11 Aug 2015 08:47
URI:	https://eprints.dkit.ie/id/eprint/472

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