Fracking is a temporary process that occurs after a well has been drilled and usually takes only about 3-5 days per well. Sometimes, wells are re-fracked to extend their production, but the energy each well can produce may last for 20 to 40 years.
Here’s what happens during the entire well’s life cycle, from start to finish:
BEFORE DRILLING BEGINS
Before a well is drilled, geologists and engineers study the size, structure and thickness of the geological rock formations with sophisticated seismic instruments to scientifically determine how and where drilling should take place.Companies must work with engineers, wildlife biologists, geologists and environmental experts to obtain information on the depth and location of all water zones to ensure proper protections are in place. Afterward, companies must then apply for all necessary state, federal and local permits.
State regulations require oil and natural gas companies to engage and work with nearby residents and local governments to share information and listen to and address concerns prior to beginning operations.
DRILLING PROCESS
In some cases, 4-6 wells can be fracked on one site, or pad. To keep groundwater safe, each well is encased in multiple layers of protective industrial-grade steel pipe called casing, which is surrounded by cement.
AFTER DRILLING
After completion, a well can produce for as long as 20 to 40 years–providing energy and long-term revenue to governments and mineral owners and sustaining local jobs.The drilling rig and related equipment are only temporary and are removed when the well is finished. Areas disturbed by this activity are reclaimed or restored. In urban areas, completed well sites are often screened or landscaped.
Still want to learn more? Click here to learn more about fracking and how it works. You can also click here to learn more about Colorado’s tough energy regulations.
Learn more about how fracking works: Fracking 101: Breaking down the most important part of today’s oil, gas drilling
(The Greeley Tribune, 2016).
FAQs
Fracking is a temporary process that occurs after a well has been drilled and usually takes only about 3-5 days per well. Sometimes, wells are re-fracked to extend their production, but the energy each well can produce may last for 20 to 40 years.
How far does fracking go down? ›
This process is repeated several times, with smaller and smaller diameter casings being inserted, down to a depth of 6,000 to 10,000 feet (way below aquifers), where the gas can be accessed. A perforated pipe gun is sent into the horizontal part of the wellbore, producing explosions that create fractures in the shale.
How long has fracking been in use? ›
The history of hydraulic fracturing in the United States dates back to 1947 and has been used safely in more than 1.2 million wells. Hydraulic fracturing involves pumping fluid into reservoirs to artificially induce small fractures.
How often does fracking go wrong? ›
Pennsylvania regulators have confirmed at least 260 instances of private well contamination from fracking operations since 2005, a number that is likely a severe underestimate. Data from fracking wells in Pennsylvania from 2010 to 2012 show a 6 to 7 percent rate of well failure due to compromised structural integrity.
How long does a gas well last? ›
A natural gas well can produce gas for up to four decades, and all the while it's monitored to ensure continual well integrity.
How far does fracking extend? ›
Hydraulic Fracturing
Wells may be drilled vertically hundreds to thousands of feet below the land surface and may include horizontal or directional sections extending thousands of feet. Fractures are created by pumping large quantities of fluids at high pressure down a wellbore and into the target rock formation.
What is the main problem with fracking? ›
The process creates vast amounts of wastewater, emits greenhouse gases such as methane, releases toxic air pollutants and generates noise. Studies have shown these gas and oil operations can lead to loss of animal and plant habitats, species decline, migratory disruptions and land degradation.
What states is fracking banned? ›
Vermont, which has no known frackable gas reserves, banned fracking preventatively in May 2012. In March 2017, Maryland became the second state in the US with proven gas reserves to pass a law banning fracking.
Does fracking affect drinking water? ›
EPA has found scientific evidence that activities in the hydraulic fracturing water cycle can impact drinking water resources under some circ*mstances. Impacts can range in frequency and severity, depending on the combination of hydraulic fracturing water cycle activities and local- or regional-scale factors.
How long will natural gas last in the US? ›
Assuming the same annual rate of U.S. dry natural gas production in 2021 of about 34.52 Tcf, the United States has enough dry natural gas to last about 86 years.
Fracking involves pumping liquids under high pressure into a well to fracture the rock, which allows natural gas to escape from the rock. Producing natural gas with this method has some effects on the environment: The fracturing of wells requires large amounts of water.
Has fracking restarted? ›
CUADRILLA CONFIRMS RESUMPTION OF FRACKING AT PRESTON NEW ROAD. Leading onshore shale gas exploration operator Cuadrilla today confirmed it has resumed hydraulic fracturing operations at its flagship Lancashire site in Preston New Road.
What are 3 bad things about fracking? ›
Fracking has been blamed for leaking millions of tons of methane, a greenhouse gas more potent than carbon dioxide. Fracking is also associated with other airborne hydrocarbons that can cause health and respiratory issues. Fracking uses large amounts of water, which can become contaminated and affect local groundwater.
What are 3 cons of fracking? ›
The pros and cons of fracking
- Pro: alternative to coal.
- Con: a question of demand.
- Pro: access to materials.
- Con: risk of earthquakes.
- Pro: job creation.
- Con: air and water pollution.
Wen says this suggests that unconventional drilling methods like fracking do not necessarily lead to more environmental problems than conventional drilling, although this result might be alternatively explained by the different sizes of groundwater chemistry datasets compiled for these two states.
What happens to fracking fluid after use? ›
In some cases, produced water can be treated and reused to hydraulically fracture another well. In other cases, the water is clean enough to meet regulatory standards and is discharged into local watersheds. Practices vary between regions, depending on regulations, geologic conditions, and water availability."
What happens after fracking is done? ›
Once fracking is completed, production begins. Oil and natural gas flows up from the well bore and fracturing fluid is then recovered and recycled and used in other fracking operations. Once fracking is complete, the production site shrinks to the size of about a two-car garage.
How long does a shale well produce? ›
Shale oil and gas is distinguished from conventional oil and gas by its very long extraction times and production cycles, in some cases 30–50 years or even longer, but the productivity of horizontal shale oil and gas wells is lower.
