WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
HALF-TRUTHS AND THE WHOLE TRUTH
Citation: The Academy of Medicine, Engineering and Science of Texas (2017): “Direct migration of contaminants from targeted injection zones is highly unlikely to lead to contamination of potential drinking water aquifers.” (p. 128)
The Other Half: "Surface spills and well casing leaks near the surface are the most likely pathways for oil and gas activities to lead to contamination of drinking water sources and environmental damage." (P. 128)
Claim: Energy In-depth (a mouthpiece for The Independent Petroleum Association of America) disputes harm to ground drinking water in a video that cites findings from the EPA.
The Other Half: Their EPA source is archived. The updated report can found here. It states "EPA found scientific evidence that hydraulic fracturing activities can impact drinking water resources under some circumstances." and clarifies why it removed “no evidence of widespread, systemic impacts” from the assessment found here stating "Additionally, EPA scientists and the SAB, came to the conclusions that the sentence did not clearly communicate the findings of the report".
Claim: Fracking Fluid is 99.5% water and sand making it sound innocuous or harmless.
The Other Half: Once the fracking fluid returns to the surface, it cannot be treated using the current infrastructure or returned to the water cycle. The spent fracking fluid becomes "produced water" or industrial wastewater. Fracking takes precious water away during a time of drought.
Claim: It brings a lot of money to our economy
The Other Half: The costs the oil & gas industry incurs far outweigh its benefits. See the Colorado Financial Institute's latest report here.
Claim: Claims by opposition groups that mineral rights owners consenting to lease their minerals may be subject to legal liability related to oil and gas operations at the project are patently untrue. See Colorado Revised Statues § 34-60-116.
The Other Half: § 34-60-116 discusses "forced pooling" and consenting and nonconsenting (force pooled) owners. Unless there is an indemification clause in the lease, consenting owners aka leasors may be liable for operator-caused incidents. See here for the letter and a sample lease.
