Hydraulic fracturing is a highly engineered process that places small cracks in expected patterns in underground locations. This process has been in use for more than 60 years and is critically important to the natural gas development process. The process is a safe and proven technique.
We follow the requirements and guidelines established by the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (WOGCC) for our gas well completions process and take measures to confirm that the natural gas development process does not impact underground drinking water resources. In addition, various aspects of our operations are regulated by the Clean Water Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act, or the state equivalents, to protect water resources. We also adhere to established industry best practices designed to protect water resources.
In the PAPA, more than a vertical mile separates domestic and industrial water wells from the accumulations of natural gas that we’re developing below ground. Our well construction and completions procedures include numerous barriers to control the fracturing process and prevent the migration of hydraulic fracturing fluid into underground drinking water sources. Well design, verification of the integrity of the well construction, and extensive monitoring and diagnostics confirm fracture containment to the natural gas reservoirs. It’s also important to note that more than 99 percent of frac fluid is made up of water and sand and many of the remaining fluid additives are commonly used in foods and other consumer products.
Learn more:
Energy In Depth
American Petroleum Institute
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