RESPONSE-ESSAY ASSIGNMENT

Fracking, The Controversial Issue in the Petroleum Industry

WRITTEN BY
Name : Imam Hadi Susanto
Student ID : 16419221
English Class : 04

FACULTY OF MINING AND PETROLEUM ENGINEERING

BANDUNG INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
2019
Name : Imam Hadi Susanto
NIM : 16419221

SUMMARY-RESPONSE ESSAY TASKS

Fracking, The Controversial Issue in the Petroleum

Industry
Source: BBC News UK

The BBC News article (15 October 2018) entitled “What is fracking and why is it
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controversial?” claims that fracking activity caused many negative impacts on the environment
and it could endanger the human race. It has been a controversial issue in the United Kingdom,
but the local authority allowed this activity to take place in its country. The author is on the
opponent side of the UK government due to the environmental effect caused by fracking.
Therefore, I am on the same opinion with the writers.

It is important for us to learn more about fracking and why it is controversial. In the article,
David Shukman as the author state that fracking is a method to gain natural gases from the shale
rock that using high-pressure water injected to the well, so the gas can flow out to the head of
well. It can increase natural gas production and reduce operational costs. This method has been
proved in Turkey. Reported by Daily Sabah, on 5 October 2019, The president of Turkey, Recep
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Tayyip Erdogan, announced that Turkey’s national petroleum production nowadays has
surpassed 50.000 barrels per day, breaking the record for the last 20 years. Fracking had also
widely used in the U.S. since 2008, and because of this, crude oil production in the U.S. quickly
grew from 5.48 million barrel per day in 2010 to 6.5 million barrel per day in 2012, 8.8 million
barrel per day in 2014, and rose to a domestic record-high of 10.99 million barrel per day in 2018,
essentially doubling in a decade. From the facts above, we know that fracking gives many
advantages in the petroleum industry, but how can it be a controversial issue?

In my opinion, there are some reasons that support fracking as a controversial issue not
only in the United Kingdom but also in the world. First, the fracking can break the soil layer and
release the carcinogenic chemical substance that contaminates the soil water around the site.
According to a number of United States Government Accountability Office studies and
publications, the high-pressure-injected water can make some cracks to the soil layer. As we
know from pascal’s law in physics, it states that the pressure in the closed place will be released
in all directions. It will be fine if the high-pressure injection just containing the water. However, we
also know that the injection contains a chemical carcinogenic substance that can endanger the
whole ecosystem. For example, in September 2012, the United States Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) found a carcinogenic chemical substance in the drinking water source next to
petroleum well that using the fracking method in Wyoming. If this water source is used by locals
as daily consumption, it will increase the risk of cancer.

The second reason, the fracking activity can drain the water sources. A natural gas well is
not similar to a water well in our house. It is hundreds of time bigger than water well. So, let us
imagine that a water well can supply the whole of our needs for water. It must have hundreds of
cubic reserves and the natural gas well has millions more than it. The injection of the natural gas
well must take a big source of water. According to the Western Organization of Resource
Councils (WORC) report in May 2012, it is stated that hydraulic fracking removes 7 billion gallons
of water every year in just four states: North Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, and Colorado. This
amount is enough to supply drinking water for more than 51 million peoples, and it feels like an
irony because, based on the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees analysis, there are
more than four billion people around the world are lack water at the same time.

And the last reason, more fossil fuel means more pollution. We know that fossil fuel is the
main cause of air pollution and global warming besides illegal logging. Most of the industrial
machines and public transportations use this kind of fuel. Those properties produce carbon
dioxide gas that causes the greenhouse effect and creates an unstable climate. If the source of
fossil fuel like oil and natural gas are available in a big amount, it will increase this kind of fuel
consumption that causes an increment of air pollution and severe global warming condition.
According to NASA and NOAA observation (July 2018), the global average temperature increase
0,1 degree Celcius every year in the last 10 years, right when the fracking method widely
adopted in the U.S.

Until now, the petroleum and natural gas are still considered as a reliable fuel. David
Shukman on his article state that oil and natural gas source have a half carbon dioxide emission
than coal. It means that the emission that earned from oil and gas combustion is lower than other
fossil fuel. Besides that, oil and natural gas fuel are still categorized as a profitable industry in the
world. We can put our attention on the middle east country as an example. More than 80 percent
of the middle east area is dessert. With this condition, there are no other natural resources that
can proceed except petroleum reserves. But, we can see that the middle east countries have a
high Growth Domestic Product based on the World Bank’s observation (June 2016). These
countries only depend on the export of oil and gas products, but they can bring prosperity for
their peoples. It proves to us that petroleum resources have a big power to create a superpower
economic effect. By wide exploiting crude oil or shale rock that uses the fracking method, maybe
we can bring prosperity to all human beings around the world. Maybe this fact that makes the
United Kingdom decide to allow the fracking activity in its country so they can gain more oil and
gas.

However, the problem that we face is not like a piece of cake. It is so complicated and
feels like a dilemma. We need fossil fuel in a big amount to keep the diesel machine work as well
and supply electricity for us so it can keep our activity work well. Moreover, an article released by
The New York Times in August 2017 stated that we need more than a century to change all fossil
fuel system to a renewable fuel system. But on another hand, the more we exploit and use the
petroleum product, the more environment tainted by carbon dioxide gas. Maybe we do not want
our earth becomes to “the second venus”, a planet in which the temperature is up to 462 Celcius
degrees (data from NASA 1991) caused by carbon dioxide gas that covered all of its
atmosphere.

In conclusion, the fracking method should not be applied widely to gain oil and natural
gas. We know that this method has many advantages, but the negative impact on the human
race is more than the positive one. And it is the time for us to keep moving forward to develop a
renewable energy source that can replace the fossil fuel system. By the incredible mind that we
have, we can create something that unpredictable by the scientist at present.
 Reference

Shukman, David. (2018, October 15th). What is fracking and why is it controversial?.
Retrieved from : BBC News UK. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-14432401. (Accessed on 2019,
November 5th).
Nunez, Christina. (2019, October 26th). How was fracking change our future?. Retrieved
from : National Georaphic. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/energy/great-
energy-challenge/big-energy-question/how-has-fracking-changed-our-future/. (Accessed on
2019, November 5th).
Anadolu Agency. (2019, October 9th). Hydraulic fracking sees Turkey enter new energy
era. Retrieved from : Daily Sabah. https://www.dailysabah.com/energy/2019/10/09/hydraulic-
fracking-sees-turkey-enter-new-energy-era. (Accessed on 2019, November 11th).
Unknown Author. (2016, December 16th). The hydraulic fracturing water cycle. Retrieved
from : United States Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/hfstudy/hydraulic-
fracturing-water-cycle. (Accessed on 2019, November 11th).
Milman, Oliver. (2016, April 7th). Scientists find fracking contaminated Wyoming water
after EPA halted study. Retrieved from : The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/us-
news/2016/apr/07/wyoming-fracking-water-contamination-dangerous-chemicals. (Accessed on
2019, November 11th).
Unknown Author. (2014, December 18th). New York Larang Teknik Pengeboran Migas
'Fracking'. Retrieved from : VOA Indonesia. https://www.voaindonesia.com/a/new-york-larang-
teknik-pengeboran-migas-fracking/2563867.html. (Accessed on 2019, November 11th).
Platt, John. (2013, September 5th). Fracking Water Use Draining Resources, Especially In
Western U.S., New Studies Find. Retrieved from : Huffpostt.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/fracking-water-use-draining-water_n_3239879 (Accessed on
2019, November 11th).
Lumbanraja, Sahroha. (2014, July 16th). Mari Menghitung Produksi CO2 dengan
Kalkulator Karbon. Retrieved from : Kompasiana.
https://www.kompasiana.com/sahroha.lumbanraja/54f6ad0fa33311c55c8b45ff/mari-menghitung-
produksi-co2-dengan-kalkulator-karbon. (Accessed on 2019, November 11th).
Prastiwi, Arie Mega. (2018, May 6th). Mengerikan, Level CO2 di Atmosfer Mencapai
Tingkat Tertinggi dalam 800 Ribu Tahun. Retrieved from : Liputan 6.
https://www.liputan6.com/global/read/3504499/mengerikan-level-co2-di-atmosfer-mencapai-
tingkat-tertinggi-dalam-800-ribu-tahun. (Accessed on 2019, November 12th).
What is fracking and why is it controversial?
By David Shukman on 15th October 2018, The BBC News UK

Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is a technique designed to recover gas and oil

from shale rock. Energy firm Cuadrilla has begun fracking in the UK for the first time
since the process was halted in 2011 over earth tremor fears. But how does fracking
work and why is it controversial?

What is fracking?
Fracking is the process of drilling down into the earth before a high-pressure water
mixture is directed at the rock to release the gas inside. Water, sand and chemicals are
injected into the rock at high pressure which allows the gas to flow out to the head of the
well.

The process can be carried out vertically or, more commonly, by drilling
horizontally to the rock layer, which can create new pathways to release gas or used to
extend existing channels. The term fracking refers to how the rock is fractured apart by
the high-pressure mixture.
Is fracking taking place in the UK?
Drilling for shale gas is still at an exploratory phase. However, reserves of shale
gas have been identified across large swathes of the UK, particularly in northern
England. More than 100 licences have been awarded by the government, allowing firms
to pursue a range of oil and gas exploration activities in certain areas.

Before companies can begin fracking they must also receive planning permission
from the relevant local council. Cuadrilla faced legal challenges before it could begin
drilling at its Preston New Road site at Little Plumpton in Lancashire. Applications have
also been submitted in Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and for a second site in Lancashire.
Other firms looking to start fracking include Third Energy, IGas, Aurora Energy
Resources and Ineos.

However, Cuadrilla is the only company to receive final consent from the
government to begin fracking. Governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
have all said they will oppose fracking until further research is completed into its
environmental impact.
Has test drilling been completed?
In 2011, Cuadrilla suspended test fracking operations near Blackpool
after earthquakes of 1.5 and 2.2 magnitude hit the area. A subsequent study found it
was "highly probable" that shale gas test drilling triggered the tremors.

A government-appointed panel said there could be more tremors as a result of

fracking, but they will be too small to do structural damage above ground. It
recommended greater monitoring and said operators should observe a "traffic light"
regime, with tremors of magnitude 0.5 or above triggering a "red light" and an immediate
halt.

As exploratory drilling restarted in Lancashire, Cuadrilla said it will comply with

that system and also issue a daily report about the previous day's drilling. The firm says it
expects to have an idea of "how much natural gas is likely to be recoverable" from the
exploratory drilling by spring 2019. However, before shale gas can be extracted on a
commercial basis, Cuadrilla would need to apply for new licences and permits.

What are the advantages of fracking?

Fracking allows drilling firms to access difficult-to-reach resources of oil and gas.

In the United States it has significantly boosted domestic oil production and driven
down gas prices. It is estimated to have offered gas security to the US and Canada for
about 100 years, and has presented an opportunity to generate electricity at half the CO2
emissions of coal. The industry suggests fracking of shale gas could contribute
significantly to the UK's future energy needs.
 The Task Force on Shale Gas, an industry-funded body, said the UK needed to
start fracking to establish the possible economic impact of shale gas - saying it could
create thousands of jobs.

Why is it controversial?

The extensive use of fracking in the US, where it has revolutionised the energy
industry, has prompted environmental concerns. Fracking uses huge amounts of water,
which must be transported to the site at significant environmental cost.

As well as earth tremor concerns, environmentalists say potentially carcinogenic

chemicals may escape during drilling and contaminate groundwater around the fracking
site. The industry suggests pollution incidents are the results of bad practice, rather than
an inherently risky technique.

Campaigners say fracking is distracting energy firms and governments from

investing in renewable sources of energy, and encouraging continued reliance on fossil
fuels.

"Shale gas is not the solution to the UK's energy challenges," said Friends of the Earth
energy campaigner Tony Bosworth. "We need a 21st Century energy revolution based
on efficiency and renewables, not more fossil fuels that will add to climate change."

What does the government say?

 The government believes shale gas has the potential to provide the UK with
"greater energy security, growth and jobs" and says it "could be an important part of our
transition to a low carbon future". Prime Minister Theresa May told the Yorkshire
Post shale gas extraction was important "because of the impact it can have on our future
energy security". Her predecessor David Cameron was also a supporter of fracking,
saying it could support tens of thousands of UK jobs and reduce bills.

Downing Street has said shale gas planning applications in England are to be
fast-tracked to crack down on councils that delay decisions.
However, Labour has called for fracking to be "banned, not promoted", describing shale
gas as a "dirty fossil fuel".

What about National Parks

In January 2015, MPs overwhelmingly rejected an outright ban on fracking but did
pledge an "outright ban" on fracking in national parks. However, 11 months later MPs
voted to allow fracking at 1,200m below national parks, Areas of Outstanding National
Beauty, the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads and World Heritage Sites. Critics, including
Labour and Greenpeace, accused the government of a U-turn.