FrackingFracking in Michigan

University of Michigan researchers are conducting a detailed study of the potential environmental and societal effects of hydraulic fracturing, the controversial natural gas drilling process known as fracking.

In hydraulic fracturing, large amounts of water, sand and chemicals are injected deep underground to break apart rock and free trapped natural gas. Though the process has been used for decades, recent technical advances have helped unlock vast stores of previously inaccessible natural gas, resulting in a fracking boom.

A University of Michigan release reports that, now,U-M researchers are working with government regulators, oil and gas industry representatives, and environmental groups to explore seven critical areas related to the use of hydraulic fracturing in Michigan: human health, the environment and ecology, economics, technology, public perception, law and policy, and geology/hydrodynamics.

Detailed technical reports on the seven subject areas are to be released early next year for public comment.

“While there have been numerous scientific studies about hydraulic fracturing in the United States, none have been conducted with a focus on Michigan,” said John Callewaert, director of integrated assessment at U-M’s Graham Sustainability Institute, which is overseeing the study.

The research teams kicked off the first phase of their two-year research project last month with support from four university units: the Graham Sustainability Institute, the Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise, the Energy Institute, and the Risk Science Center. Industry representatives, nongovernmental organizations, state government officials, academic experts and other stakeholders are providing input.

During a policy address on energy and the environment today at Michigan State University’s W. K. Kellogg Biological Station, Gov. Rick Snyder noted that the state will be a partner in the U-M-led fracking study.

“We’re going to be a partner with the University of Michigan’s Graham Sustainability Institute on doing a study on where fracking’s going,” Snyder said. “Fracking is something that is very serious and it needs to be done the right way.

“Let’s be at the forefront of being environmentally responsible when we look at these energy issues. And let’s do this in a way where we’re working together.”

The U-M-led research teams will draw on their findings for the second phase of the project, which will outline a range of environmental, economic, social and technological approaches to assist stakeholders in shaping hydraulic fracturing policies and practices in Michigan. The researchers will present their overall findings and policy recommendations in 2014.

Of particular interest is the increasing use of horizontal drilling, whereby drilling is conducted