To Drill or Not to Drill?

     That, I believe is the question at this point in time. Much controversy has resulted from the utilization of hydraulic fracturing. Whether you are for drilling or against it, I ask that you please take a moment to read my position.

     Hydraulic fracturing as a practice and shale harvesting in general have been under fire in the recent years, and for good reason. Hydraulic fracturing is still a relatively new method of mineral and gas extraction, and not coincidentally, further study, examination, and analysis of its workings should and must be considered before it can be implemented as a recognized and trusted method of extraction. I do not claim to be any sort of authority on the geological or scientific subtleties of "fracking," but I will ask those authorities to exercise their undoubtedly reputable logic and common sense when dealing with something as critical as drilling. I speak for the welfare of all those involved when I say that I am for drilling, but I am also for nature. I recognize that drilling is utterly essential to satiate our fueling needs, however I know that if more time is invested into the observation and experimentation of hydraulic fracturing, we can have our fuel and minimize our environmental impact simultaneously. Drilling is, as it has always been, a lucrative business; and obviously our economy will benefit significantly from its revenues which I think is wonderful. I also understand this argument from an environmental perspective which, at least in my opinion, is just as important. I have learned that nature is to be respected, and should always be considered because it is necessary for our existence and survival. I would kindly and respectively ask anyone who would attempt to argue that to provide me with one substantial proof that says otherwise. That being said, I ask you readers, what is your position, and why do you stand for that particular position? I look forward to reading your thoughts, comments, and opinions concerning what I have said and what you believe. Thank you for your time and understanding. Any constructive criticism is thoroughly welcomed.

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Permalink Reply by Jack Straw on December 16, 2011 at 7:42am

RE: "Hydraulic fracturing is still a relatively new method of mineral and gas extraction"

That is like saying that electricity is a relatively new method of providing domstic lighting.

Hydraulic fracing has been in common use for more that fifty years.

Nothing new about hydraulic fracing.

Virtually every well in PA, WV and OH drilled in the past 50 years has been frac'd.

 

RE: "I do not claim to be any sort of authority on the geological or scientific subtleties of "fracking," "

That is obvious from your text.

You need to do a lot of reading and a lot of study (from all sides of the argument) before you should attempt to discuss this subject; as it is obvious that you know/understand little.

If you only depend upon the sensationism promulgated by media such as the New York Times, you will never obtain a fair and balanced view of what is really happening.

 

All in my humble opinion.

One size fits most.

 

JS

 

 

Permalink Reply by Ian Reith on December 16, 2011 at 8:17am

Jack, thank you for taking the time to reply to my posting. I wanted to shed some light on my cause: I only want to stimulate critical thinking and rhetoric from my readers. As most people will realize I am not educated enough, and thus not qualified to request or initiate any call to action of sorts. I simply hoped to receive the input of others and eventually come to a greater understanding of the debate. In reference to your comment comparing electricity to hydraulic fracturing, I disagree.  Electricity has been in use for thousands of years in fact, and has had much more time to develop; thus we as a result have more experience dealing with its consequences than that of hydraulic fracturing. I would also like to mention I do not follow and rarely seek the opinions of media because I find they often stray from and exaggerate fact due to rumor and simple speculation.

Any additional feedback you may have is much appreciated

Ian

Permalink Reply by Jack Straw on December 16, 2011 at 8:47am

What was electricity used for thousands of years ago? Perhaps a "parlor trick" of creating static electricity by rubbing a piece of wool with an amber rod; no light bulbs or boom boxes found in King Tut's tomb.

Hydraulics have had practical uses for thousands of years; a syringe, a piston pump all operate by virtue of hydaulics.

The use of electricity for domestic lighting began with Edison's invention of the light bulb in 1879.

The first use of hydraulic fracturing was in the 1860's - where water (with the hydraulic pressure provided by means such as nitro-glycerine) was used to frac wells in the earliest days of the NW Pennsylvania oil fields - they did not call it hydraulic fracturing at the time, they called it "shooting" the well.

So, hydraulic fracturing predates the invention of the light bulb by at least 10 years.

All in my humble opinion.

One size fits most.

 

JS

 

Permalink Reply by Ian Reith on December 16, 2011 at 9:16am

I find it interesting that you mention King Tut's tomb, because the ancient Egyptians did in fact utilize a form of lighting via electricity. This is self-evident due to fact that inside the pyramids archaeologists found little if any residue from thought-of conventional lighting at the time such as candles and torches. This information actually invalidates Edison's "invention" of the light bulb. On that note, I do not believe much of anything that humanity has actually rediscovered is original or "invented" by any means, especially in recent years (last 500 years). "History is written by the victors," correct? That unfortunately does not make it fact.

Hydraulics then, have been in use for thousands of years, but hydraulic fracturing is a subdivision and a use of its mechanical principles to bring about an effect, thus making it different than simple hydraulic functions that were used in distant history.

Permalink Reply by Jack Straw on December 16, 2011 at 9:29am

If you consider that Hydraulic Fracturing has only been used in oil & gas well stimulation for 150 years to mean that it "is still a relatively new method of mineral and gas extraction"; there is little to discuss.

And if you believe that Cheops used electric lighting in his pyramids; there is very little to discuss.

OBTW, how did that Alien Anal Probe thing work out for you, hope that you are not still having nightmares.

JS

 

 

 

 

2s72s0k9mm8gdPermalink Reply by 2s72s0k9mm8gd on December 16, 2011 at 9:40am

Jack....Wonder If that probe was "one size fits most"....?

I must say , though , Chariots of the Gods by Eric VonDaniken is a good read.

Permalink Reply by Ian Reith on December 16, 2011 at 9:44am

Now I question your previous replies to my opinions, as well as your perspective relative to history, and your seemingly infinite knowledge of hydraulic fracturing. Do you believe something to be considered old or reviewed if it has existed for hundreds, even thousands of years? Interesting enough if you do, because if you did not already know, the universe is billions of years in its cyclical process which has no end. Furthermore, if by stating there is very little to discuss you mean that there is little to be had on the notion of your maturity, or my being at least closer to the truth than you are, I say to you my friend: checkmate.

Permalink Reply by Frankie Jo on December 16, 2011 at 3:08pm

Wow my first reaction - smell bait + see troll = move on. Truly state your aim, Ian. I do not believe you are "looking for constructive criticism". You have a motive, why not be honest.  

Permalink Reply by Ian Reith on December 17, 2011 at 8:50am

I believe I did truly state my aim, James. "I only want to stimulate critical thinking and rhetoric from my readers," is my goal clearly stated. I am looking for constructive criticism but I have yet to receive any from any of my readers, your post included.


Permalink Reply by Frankie Jo on December 17, 2011 at 10:11am

You are not "stimulating critical thinking" you are looking to debate - huge difference. You have a point of view. State it clearly. Clearly state what your desires are with regard to your question. You are not fooling the majority here. Say what you really want! 

You will convince no man of any one thing. You can only present them with facts and they choose to accept or reject them. State your facts, back them up and move forward.

What is your point with regard to fracking and do not repeat "to stimulate critical thinking", just say it.

If you cannot state I am for it or against, your play here is clear.

Good luck, may God bless you.

Permalink Reply by time will tell on December 17, 2011 at 5:20am

Ian , I think your question is a fair one , with that being said I think our biggest concern should be how the spent fracturing fluid is being disposed . There are companies out there that are always looking for ways to save money and sometimes that is taken advantage of with the in proper disposal of contaminated flow back fluids .That's where the real threat lie's . We must hold those who are appointed to PROTECT US to do there job .This would eliminate the biggest danger of contaminating our water systems .

There is a slight chance for contamination threw the various fractures that are already present in the formations that can't be controlled , that's a fact not my opinion .Fractures are what we target for the reservoir of gas and oil , fracturing creates reservoirs so to sweep under the rug this can't happen is untrue very rare but it could happen . 

The biggest chance for a event of contamination lies in the cementing off the water sources that the drill has to go threw . 

I am not by no means saying that I am anti-drilling or accusing anyone in this play of any of the things mentioned . I am totally pro - drill and look forward to our new found wealth !

We have to be the watchmen on the wall and help each other to protect our most valuable resource that being water !

I am not getting my information from any news or anti drilling groups , I speak all this from experience .

Permalink Reply by Ian Reith on December 17, 2011 at 11:15am

Thank you very much for your input and your sharing of experience, it is much appreciated.

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