Fracking Operations Increase Methane Seepage
A recent study in Australia shows high levels of methane in an area which was hydraulicaly "fracked" for natural gas production.
MEMPHIS, TN, November 27, 2012
Research by Southern Cross University in Queensland, Australia examined methane seepage from fracking operations conducted in Australian gas fields.The research indicated that there was a much higher level of methane in the air above the Tara gas field, suggesting that there were widespread natural gas leaks as a result of changes in the soil structure caused by fracking. Those changes in the soil allow the escape of methane into the air in the vicinity of gas operations.
In some areas of the TARA field, methane levels were three times the background level. Researchers fear the methane may be leaking from the soil itself rather than from any infrastructure problem with the gas pipelines, and related equipment.
Deal, Cooper and Holton are continuing to investigate potential contamination and air pollution from fracking, compressing and related natural gas activities in the Fayetteville Shale of Central Arkansas.