So what is fracking? Fracking is a procedure for getting trapped natural gas that hard to reach places below the ground. Usually it is found in porous rocks and sediments. Drill are drilled much like the traditional method; however, once down to a specific depth, the drill is then turn horizontal and drilled through the rocks. Another well is drilled from another location to release the gas. To aid in getting the gas out, high pressure water is put through the drill to force the gas out.
This is where the issue arises. The water is now contaminated; meaning, some natural gas leaks into the now waste water, along with sediments form some not so good rare elements that causes problems. There are large waste water ponds that store the water that is now contaminated.
The problem is that the water can seep into wells and good ground water.
Much research on the issue has been debated. No definitive answers have been reached. Is it totally safe? Is to harmful? What is the risk cost benefit to society as a whole?
Here is a current article about the debate in Colorado via Scientific American issue -->http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/fracking-threatens-to-crack-politics/ Notice the issue date is 11/3/2014. This is a hot issues. Even in Ohio, Eastern Ohio is debating this same very issue. Currently in Ohio. It is providing good wage employment for an area of Ohio that is desperate for those types of jobs. John Kaisch has taxed the production of oil shale gas and natural gas that is directed to the general fund to help with the state budget. All good things and immediately; however, there have been over 400 earthquakes just near Canton Ohio recently -- > http://www.livescience.com/48294-fracking-caused-ohio-earthquakes.html another article -->
http://time.com/60363/fracking-earthquakes-ohio/
This is a major issue that isn't going away anytime soon, too much money and public health is the key components to the debate. Where do you fall into this debate?