Fracking

About Fracking

Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, is a method used to extract natural gas and oil from deep underground by injecting high-pressure water, sand, and chemicals into rock formations. While it has boosted energy production, fracking comes with significant environmental and health risks. In states like North Carolina, fracking operations are disproportionately located in low-income and rural areas, where vulnerable communities bear the brunt of its harmful effects. The chemicals used in fracking can contaminate drinking water, pollute the air, and even cause earthquakes, creating widespread concerns about the long-term impacts on public health and the environment.

Distribution of Confinements

Many communities and families in rural places have been adversely affected by contaminated groundwater, depleted sources of fresh water, impaired air quality, and have experienced other burdensome health effects due to the impacts of fracking. In addition to potential harm to drinking water and air quality, the community disruption that comes along with the process can severely impact vulnerable communities.

Communities of color are more likely to have fracking leases in their neighborhoods, exposing them to noise pollution, constant light and social disruption, as well as water and air quality problems. Werder (2013)

Fracking “Solutions” Often Fail Communities While the fracking industry claims that modern practices make extraction safer, many of these measures fall short. For example, the cement casing around fracking wells often fails, allowing toxic chemicals to leak into groundwater. Moreover, the disposal of wastewater from fracking presents additional challenges, as it is often injected deep underground, increasing the risk of earthquakes. These issues underscore the need for stronger, more comprehensive regulations.

Concentration of the Profits

Preferentially selecting communities of color and low wealth for fracking operations puts an undue burden of exposure and adverse health outcomes on vulnerable groups, prioritizing corporate profit over the health of North Carolinians. Those who benefit from fracking are very far removed from the communities of color and low wealth that will be most negatively impacted by this industry. Werder (2013)

Ways Forward

Stricter Regulations

Ensure stronger environmental protections for communities near fracking sites, including mandatory monitoring of air and water quality. In April 2013, we provided information to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the potential impacts of fracking on low-income communities and communities of color in North Carolina. This followed a 2012 Title VI complaint to the EPA’s Office of Civil Rights by our partners Haw River Assembly and West End Revitalization Association regarding North Carolina’s failure to consider disproportionate impacts to communities of color in its exploratory study on fracking for natural gas in the state.

Ban on New Wells in Vulnerable Areas

Halt the development of new fracking wells in flood-prone, low-income, or marginalized communities, where the impacts of contamination are most severe.

Improved Wastewater Management

Invest in safer, more reliable methods for handling fracking wastewater to reduce the risks of groundwater contamination and induced earthquakes.

Transparency and Accountability

Require fracking companies to disclose the chemicals used in their operations and make them fully accountable for any environmental or public health damages.

 

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