http://comments.sciencemag.org/content/10.1126/science.344.6191.1464

It’s fantastic that the vaunted Science would put out such an article. Consider the facts David Malakoff uses to get our attention.

702—PERCENT INCREASE IN U.S. SHALE GAS PRODUCTION SINCE 2007

Go back ten years and it would be infinite per cent, that’s when it started.

40—PERCENT SHALE GAS SHARE OF TOTAL U.S. PRODUCTION

But such production is so expensive older type wells are still being drilled today. It’s the byproduct higher homologues of methane that allow shale to show a little profit.

40—PERCENT SHALE GAS SHARE OF TOTAL U.S. PRODUCTION

This has largely been achieved by shifting coal burning plants that used natural gas to accommodate overloads to using a maximum of gas and reducing use of coal.

15,000,000—LITERS OF WATER AND CHEMICALS PUMPED INTO A TYPICAL FRACKING WELL

That’s correct, at pressures high enough to open cracks in series above the shale. Communication to older conventional wells and even penetration to the surface is well known but seldom admitted.

Ground water disruption is very common, leaving rural residents with out water for themselves and their livestock. Air contamination has made thousands sick in every region where slickwater fracking has occurred. Drilling near homes and livestock results in disruption from noise, light, heavy truck traffic and social problems. Much drilling occurs in areas that provide pristine water to large populations downstream and quality outdoor recreation.

Heavy industry across countryside means vast areas put under roads, well pads and pipelines. Surface damage is essentially ignored by the industry, only gas royalty is paid. In areas where surface is owned by one individual and gas royalty by another, the surface owner gets a nominal damage payment in some cases and none in others.

The jobs provided are extremely rigorous and hazardous. Twelve hour shifts for 30 days with 30 days off are the rule. They are not attractive to most young men, consequently the labor force is composed of young men with no local attachments who drift between jobs.

Shale drilling is a classic case of externalized costs. These are paid by rural individuals and workers – health, property and quality of life must be given up. Literally hundreds of organizations have been formed to oppose or modify drilling practice. Opposition will not stop, but continues to grow.

Please, Mr. Malakoff, get the whole story. Go out to where it is happening and listen to everyone involved.