Fracking Must Be Stopped, Emmaus High Student Says

Special to Emmaus Patch by Mia Simms

Hydraulic fracturing is dangerous and has the potential to permanently damage the environment. Hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking,” is a process in which a drill fractures deep shale formations in the ground in order to extract natural gas. Although fracking is an efficient method of extracting natural gas, there are many concerns associated with the process. Fracking should be stopped before it completely devastates the environment.

Evidence shows that hydraulic fracturing harms people and the environment. During the process, toxic chemicals are used to create cracks in the shale reserves. In many cases, these deadly chemicals poison drinking water. Fracking companies are exposing humans to extremely harmful toxins and do not show any signs of concern. Not only is water being contaminated, but it is also being wasted during hydraulic fracturing. The method of fracking generally required around 5 million gallons of water, and in the end less than a third of that water is recovered. These facts are concerning because freshwater is a limited resource, and should be preserved and kept pure by stopping hydraulic fracturing.

Hydraulic fracturing is also harmful to the environment in other ways. Fracking has been linked to devastating earthquakes, which are triggered by the disruptive drilling into underground shale reserves. Many ravaging earthquakes could be avoided if companies put an end to hydraulic fracturing. Besides causing earthquakes, fracking also leads to accidental ground oil spills. Incorrectly stored natural gas and faulty equipment have caused oil spills during various stages of the fracking process. Also, studies have shown that shale gas emissions are greater than coal emissions. Overall, hydraulic fracturing is polluting the environment.

In order to protect the people of America and the environment, hydraulic fracturing must be stopped. Although many risks are involved in fracking, many benefits could come from this process if it is proven to be relatively safe. The United States has such large shale reserves that American energy independence could be possible in the near future if the industry is supported. Regardless of the immediate benefits of fracking, the future health of the environment must be considered. Sign a petition or vote locally to help halt fracking. Hydraulic fracturing must be stopped in order to protect the health of humans and the world. 

Mia Simms is a currently a student in Ms. Bonnie Raub's 10th grade English class at Emmaus High School. Simms wrote this essay as part of a class assignment.