Fracking is harmful

Iam a Lancaster resident, and a retired electronic engineer. As part of my process of writing a book on world climate change, and its harmful effects on our planet, I have performed extensive research on the subject of the “fracking” processes and its very harmful effects upon human society.

This writing was prompted by reading the AV Presses published article in the Letter from Readers section, entitled “All Lies,” written by Mr. Jack O’Connor, in AV press’s Saturday, October 17, 2020 issue.

This is not written against Mr. O’Connor’s political opinion, but to enlighten his opinion on the usage of the “fracking” process and its detriments to people and our earth.

1st lets understand the “fracking” process. Google “the seven steps of oil and natural gas extraction” offered by the Coloradans for Responsible Energy Development. Basically, fracking interjects a high pressure steam of liquid chemical and water into the earth to force extraction of oil or natural gas from the earth. This injected water based chemical liquid is returned to the surface, maybe reused, but eventually stored in deep wells.

This unwanted “fracking” liquid is harmful to natural water tables, lakes, streams, etc., animals and humans. The harmful effects of fracking can be read in numerous publications, three are referenced here, they are google the following; “Disasters and accidents of horizontal slick water fracking;” “Fracking’s personal tragedies,” from the Time Union newspaper, April 2014; and “More fracking tragedies for farmers and ranchers in North Dakota”, 2012.

Our California governor has banded the process within California. It should be banded nationally.

Gordon V. Jefferson Lancaster