To the editor:
My understanding of fracking is that it is the process of forcing water and chemicals into the earth to break up the shale in order to extract the oil. This mix of water with chemicals, I believe, contains a chemical to dissolve the shale in order to extract the oil. Then, this water is left in the earth as the filler after shale and oil are removed.
What guarantee do we have that this water will not begin to dissolve elements in our earth and cause sinkholes and earthquakes? The process of water dissolving elements in the soil is causing sinkholes in Florida and in Pennsylvania right now. In those two areas it is not caused by fracking; however, isn't it the same principle?
I have heard the small earthquake in southern Colorado last year was due to fracking. Is that true? I hope neither of these happen under our buildings and highways. Second, what is the effect on our air quality if the gas is burned in the atmosphere? Again, my understanding is that to salvage gas, it has to be piped to a refinery, which will not be the case here. Therefore it will be burned off. What will the effect be on the people with respiratory problems in our high altitude and those who must rely on their use of oxygen tanks for each breath? Is fracking really worth the risk? Is it what we want in the city of Loveland?