Hydraulic Fracturing in Western Colorado
Natural gas extraction through high-volume horizontal hydraulic fracturing (HVHF) has grown exponentially within the U.S. in the past decade and has become the conveyor for making the nation energy independent as well as providing a transition to a cleaner national energy portfolio. If natural gas extracted by HVHF is to serve as a bridge fuel for the United States, all aspects of the extraction process and post-processing of well sites and materials used must be conducted in such a manner as to limit the potential negative environmental and economic impacts. To best achieve this goal in Western Colorado, undergraduates at Arizona State University enrolled in the course Solving Environmental Problems, evaluated various aspects of the HVHF process from a geologic, economic, policy, human and ecological impact, and engineering perspective.
Summary figure of HVHF processes and concerns[1].
Summary figure of HVHF processes and concerns[1].
[1] Should Fracking Stop?, 2011 Nature vol. 477, p. 271-275.