As oil companies consider drilling new wells in the area, some Kansans are learning about a contorvertial production technique called hydraulic fracturing or “fracking”. The process involves fracturing rocks to create passageways for oil and gas.
In the past, the rocks have been considered “too tight” for oil production but the new process allows oil and gas to be released.
A second process called CO2 sequestration is also being used that compressed carbon dioxide to displace oil.
Oil companies, including Shell Oil, Chesapeake Energy and Sandridge Energy, are meeting with state, and city officials along with local residents in South Central Kansas to talk about the use of the procedures in their region.
Some say the oil boom could bring wealth to the area, as it has in other states including North Dakota, if the energy companies find the lucrative energy sources.
"If we have an oil boom similar or even half of what they had in North Dakota, we're going to have major changes in our communities," said Wellington State Representative Vince Wetta.
But others, like the National Resources Defense Council, a group that opposes fracking, say there are risks with the practices including contaminating drinking water.
“Oil and gas production can release toxic substances into the environment…Some of these toxics come from the oil and gas itself. Other toxics come from the chemicals oil and gas companies inject into the ground during the drilling process.”
A statement on Chesapeake Energy’s website disagrees, saying the fluids used in fracking are comprised of approximately 98% water and sand and the company has taken steps to ensure safety.
“Many protective layers (casings) are installed in today’s wells to control pressure and prevent contamination to aquifers. In addition to multiple layers of casing and cement, natural barriers within rock formations act as seals, holding natural gas and oil in the target formation.”
Representatives from the energy companies will address questions from residents in Wellington tonight at 6:30 p.m.
The EPA is undertaking a study to better understand the potential impact of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water and will release initial results in 2012.
