Study: Oil, Gas Drilling Connected to Pollution, Earthquakes
HOUSTON (AP) — A new study by a nonprofit science organization says oil and gas drilling in Texas is linked to pollution and earthquakes.
The Houston Chronicle reports that The Academy of Medicine, Engineering and Science of Texas study found drilling in shale pollutes the air, erodes soil and contaminates water. The disposal of millions of gallons of wastewater causes earthquakes.
The group began its analysis of the environmental and social impacts of drilling and hydraulic fracturing two years ago. It created a task force of attorneys, geologists, seismologists and engineers, including representatives from oil companies and an environmental group.
The study also found fracking is spreading rapidly across Texas. Fracking is where a high-pressured concoction of water, sand and chemicals is used to free oil and gas from dense shale rock.