Fracking environmental analysis for California

Natural gas drilling is to be the subject of a new detailed study in California, conducted by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The study will provide a full environmental analysis of the effects of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and other activities used in the extraction of natural shale gas.

It was decided to look into the effects of fracking as the natural gas industry has begun work to tap into the Monterey Shale formation - a massive natural gas reservoir. The utilising of this large natural source will result in fracking taking place on around 284,000 acres of public land. The BLM released a notice of intent stating that a full analysis will be conducted into the possible environmental impact that the decision to begin extracting from the Monterey Shale formation could have.

Brendan Cummings, senior counsel at the Center for Biological Diversity, said: "We’re pleased that federal officials are finally starting the full analysis of fracking pollution’s dangers that should have been done before these public lands were auctioned off to oil companies.

"Fracking these sensitive places threatens California’s air, water, wildlife and climate. In an era of dangerous climate change, the government should be protecting our remnant public lands, not leasing them out for fossil fuel development."

As well as the environmental analysis being performed in relation to the shale gas reservoir, the BLM also announced that a state-wide review is to be conducted into the full potential effects of oil and gas drilling within California. The review is to be independent and will look at the environmental impact and the potential seismic impacts that different forms of drilling could have. The review is to be led by the California Council on Science and Technology and the results will be made public in a peer-reviewed report next year.

It is hoped that the further study of Fracking and other forms of natural gas extraction will provide more information about the possible effects upon water quality and air pollution. The environmental analysis could also help shed light upon the possible connection between hydraulic fracturing and seismic activity; a particularly important research process for a state that is so prone to severe earthquakes.