Environmental Impact of Fracking Discussed at Industry Event

Dan Tormey giving a speech at the front of a lecture hallDan Tormey giving a speech at the front of a lecture hall
Hydraulic fracturing for shale oil and gas production, used widely in the US and Canada since the 1950s, is now seen in the UK as having the potential to provide greater energy security, growth and job opportunities. However, the potential negative environmental impacts that may be associated with hydraulic fracturing have led to controversy and significant public debate.
SPE Distinguished Lecturer, Catalyst's Dr. Daniel Tormey conducted the first ever, data-rich, comprehensive environmental characterisation of hydraulic fracturing for shale oil and gas production. SPE Aberdeen is looking forward to welcoming Dr. Tormey to its next evening dinner presentation where he will discuss the results of his peer-reviewed study.

Dan explains:
“Although the development of shale oil and gas has brought substantial economic, geopolitical, and climate change benefits to the United States, hydraulic fracturing has displaced global climate change as the most controversial environmental policy issue. As other countries evaluate development of shale oil and gas, these same environmental concerns are available on the internet and media sources. Without data to address the issues, the concerns become a substantial hindrance to acceptance of shale gas development.
​​​​​​​
“This study presents the first ever, peer-reviewed study that quantifies the effects of two specific high-volume hydraulic fracturing jobs to 14 different environmental resource categories. The study was carried out in the centre of Los Angeles, California, the largest urban oilfield in the US, and amid substantial local and national interest.”
Adapted from a press release by Louise Mulhall

Article contributors

Other News & Insights