Hydraulic Fracturing in the Marcellus Shale Region of the U.S.

Abstract

This paper reviews hydraulic fracturing in the Marcellus Shale emphasizing potential drinking water contamination via underground pathways for vertical gas and fracking fluid transport. It begins with an overview of the hydraulic fracturing process and the origins of shale gas, and then describes the regions where shale gas can be found and the composition of the fracking fluid. Potential sources of aquifer contamination are explored, with focus given to fractures as sources for vertical transport within rock layers. An overview of many contamination cases and claims across the United States is presented, followed by suggested improvements to the fracking process. Finally, federal and state legislature regarding hydraulic fracturing is reviewed.

Keywords: hydraulic fracturing, fracking, shale gas, fracking fluid, contamination, Marcellus Shale