The “Gasland” documentary by Josh Fox is an attempt to draw attention to the issues associated with a rapid intensification of hydraulic fracturing across America. The author depicts a gloomy picture, highlighting the negative consequences that derive from the application of that technology. This paper contains an analysis of the problem from a number of perspectives, using the existing research on the topic as its foundation.
Hydraulic fracturing, also referred to as fracking, is a process of extracting natural gas out of reservoirs conserved by rocks. An artificial fracture is created in a solid rock layer in order to recover gas. “Without a man-made fracture, the oil or gas cannot be recovered” (“Hydraulic Fracturing in California”). It is a relatively young technology; yet, nowadays its application throughout America has become extremely popular, as it allows extracting gas from places where it has been impossible before. In California, gas extraction procedures seem to be enhanced if compared to other states in terms of the time for pressurizing a reservoir, amount of harmful substances used, etc. (“Hydraulic Fracturing in California”).
Apart from the gas companies fully exploiting the “new economic opportunities” which have emerged with the development of the process of hydraulic fracturing, there seem to be many adverse consequences to fracking (Bapna). Firstly, there are the environmental impacts. On the one hand, the process of fracking implies application of a variety of toxic and hazardous substances. On the other hand, the current legislation allows drilling to be set up in a dangerous proximity to the public water supply reservoirs. This can result in considerable contamination of water and soil which affects people, plants, and animals in a similarly harmful way. In his research, Mooney found out that there is a “variety” of ways that can lead to such contamination, ranging from the poor cementing practices to errors while developing a particular hydraulic fracturing project (85). In the initial aftermath, people who live close to the drilling areas are under a greater threat; in the long run, all people will be influenced, as the shortage of natural resources in one area (i.e. clean water) has a long-term effect on the whole nation. Moreover, people who live near to the extraction areas have been subject to developing severe chronic conditions. As Bapna points out, the full assessment of the situation has not been carried out yet, as the research is still ongoing. However, despite a controversial in the least effect of the fracking procedures, the concern is not a truly shared one. Many people are unaware of the consequences of fracking. The gas companies offer good deals to landowners for securing the drilling rights, concealing the possible consequences. Moreover, upon settling lawsuits, these corporations demand victims not to mention their concerns to the public. It is quite difficult to assess the legitimacy of evidence in the existing literature on the topic, as the views presented are conflicting and there is the possibility of bias demonstrated by the hydraulic fracturing proponents and opponents alike.
The …