New Study Predicts Frack Fluids Can Migrate to Aquifers Within Years

[grntuscarora]

A new study has raised fresh concerns about the safety of gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale, concluding that fracking chemicals injected into the ground could migrate toward drinking water supplies far more quickly than experts have previously predicted.

*snip*

Scientists have theorized that impermeable layers of rock would keep the fluid, which contains benzene and other dangerous chemicals, safely locked nearly a mile below water supplies. This view of the earth's underground geology is a cornerstone of the industry's argument that fracking poses minimal threats to the environment.

But the study, using computer modeling, concluded that natural faults and fractures in the Marcellus, exacerbated by the effects of fracking itself, could allow chemicals to reach the surface in as little as "just a few years."

full article at
http://www.propublica.org/article/new-study-predicts-frack-fluids-can-migrate-to-aquifers-within-years

[DCKit]

1. Before the Fracking Defenders jump all over this....

Fracking = fracturing. When you fracture something, it leaks.... everywhere.

That is all.

[limpyhobbler]

2. So what. We see a story like this every other day. It has no effect on public policy.

The only thing that matters on this question is gas industry profits and campaign contributions. Sadly, and I hate to say it, President Obama is the lead cheerleader for the gas industry on this. See he has to support it or the republicans will accuse him of giving a shit about the environment. So unfortunatley we are quite screwd as the democrats in dc turned their back on the people as fast as they possibly could on this issue. Leaving us to try to slug it out state by state. That was cold. I like President Obama but I get the imnpression he does not care if our water is poisoned by frack waste because he will never have to drink it.

[FreakinDJ]

6. Sad part is they are building plants to EXPORT the Fracking Gas

So basically we will destroy much of America's drinking water supply so a few Wealthy Elitest on Wall St ....

wait where have we heard that before

[xtraxritical]

7. Give the President a Congress (Democrats) willing to work for the country not business.

You'll get the things you wish for!

[Systematic Chaos]

3. What is it with you fucking libs and thinking we need ground water?

Those awesome private bottled water corporations got our backs, guys! Chill the fuck out you bunch of tree-hugging pussies! Go smoke some of that marry jew wanna y'all like so much. Your whining is seriously getting on my nerves.

Oops, gotta run! Time to hit the open seas in my new yacht I bought with last quarter's bonus check!

Sincerely,
Your Friendly Republi-Con Oil & Gas Company Exec.

[stillwaiting]

4. The elite can get their water from safe sources and they clearly don't care about the obvious

consequences of fracking on the water sources for the rabble and riffraff amongst them.

After all, they can get their corrupt cronies within the government to tell everyone that everything is fine and that no health risks are posed to the public. Revising upward allowable and acceptable contamination limits is their way of dealing with this as evidenced by Japan's government in dealing with nuclear contamination.

Bonus: It increases the value of clean water and they can charge even more for it as privatization of water is continued worldwide.

I have no idea how they sleep at night. They clearly think of the consequences of their actions in very abstract terms and probably rationalize their actions by telling themselves that our planet is already past its carrying capacity. Their greed is insatiable.

[HereSince1628]

5. Premature deaths will help solve the population problem...

When you play 3d chess, you've really got to look WAY beyond the next move.

[countryjake]

8. K&R!