Environmental Considerations Associated with Hydraulic Fracturing Operations
by James A. Jacobs, Stephen M. Testa
2Historical Development from Fracturing to Hydraulic Fracturing
2.1 Introduction
The well completion and enhancement technique known as hydraulic fracturing is a highly visible and controversial topic as evidenced by multitudes of news articles, regulatory workshops, local public hearings, and documentaries and films such as Gasland (2010), Promised Land (2012), Gasland Part II (2013), FrackNation (2013), and Dear Mr. Obama (2016). With all the media attention, one would think that hydraulic fracturing was some new innovative technology that only recently was being utilized on a grand scale. With increasing interest in unconventional oil and gas resources, the combination of innovative developments in horizontal drilling with multiphase high‐volume hydraulic fracturing is having a profound impact on the ability of the United States to become energy independent. Regions previously not noted for playing a significant role in the energy landscape now are the forerunners of our new independence.
This chapter covers the historical development of well stimulation via hydraulic fracturing technology. When viewed in a historical context, the story begins in 1825 with the drilling of a well for the extraction of gas from shale in Fredonia, New York. William Hart noticed gas bubbling out of Canadaway Creek in the village of Fredonia, Chautauqua County, New York. A 27‐ft‐deep gas well was dug into Devonian shale with a pick and shovel. By 1825, the gas produced was enough to provide ...