Hydrofracking debate

Feb 2012 report from State Health Dept says fracking could be done safely

Karen DeWitt — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 18:52:44 +0000

A document from Governor Cuomo’s Administration assessing the health impacts of hydrofracking, written several months ago, says the gas drilling process is likely safe if proper precautions are taken by the governor’s environmental agency.

Controversy still simmers over SUNY Buffalo Shale Institute

Daniel Robison — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 14:28:04 +0000

Shortly after opening its doors at this spring, the Shale Resources and Society Institute (SRSI) ignited a controversy that persists several months later.

The newly-founded SUNY Buffalo institute issued a study which found a decline in accidents and environmental damage caused by hydrofracking – a drilling technique using high volumes of water, sand and chemicals to extract natural gas from shale far below the Earth’s surface.

Opponents call the study flawed and biased in favor of the oil and gas industry.

The dispute attracted national attention, especially in the higher education community.

Study finds high risk to drinking water from fracking wastewater

Ryan Delaney — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 15:17:36 +0000

A new study on managing wastewater produced by hydraulic fracturing finds the biggest risk of contamination to drinking water supplies occurs during the disposal process.

The report is by Stony Brook University and was published this month in the journal "Risk Analysis".

The researchers looked at several potential ways fracking wastewater could end up in the drinking supply, including transportation and leaks or spills.

"Based on the data we had available, it looked like the potential for contamination was much larger from wastewater disposal than from any of the other sources," said report co-author Dan Rozell in an interview with the Innovation Trail.

Screening of pro-fracking "Truthland" turns hostile

Daniel Robison — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 15:05:36 +0000

A recent poll conducted by Quinnipiac University shows New York residents are evenly split on the issue of hydrofracking