Environmental and Health Issues in Unconventional Oil and Gas Development

Book excerpt: Environmental and Health Issues in Unconventional Oil and Gas Development offers a unique, non-partisan perspective relevant to the use of directional drilling and hydraulic fracturing, presenting clear and frank discussions on implications for a variety of stakeholders involved in unconventional oil and shale gas development. Much has changed since the first edition, including how UOGD is performed, changes in monitoring and control technologies, and new issues raised by both government and non-government stakeholders. The contributing authors address a wide range of relevant topics. The economics of hydraulic fracturing are discussed. Methane emissions, decarbonization, and responsibly sourced gas are explored in depth. The authors also look closely at climate risk and risk mitigation. Water issues are covered with a review of water quality impacts along with waste issues. This is followed by a detailed examination of health and safety in regard to occupational health, public health, risk perception, risk communication, and transportation. Finally, the editors wrap up with important discussions on environmental justice and environmental, social, and corporate governance. Readers will find much to consider and apply to their own work within this reference on the critical environmental issues facing the unconventional oil and gas industry.• Serves as a collective, up-to-date resource for academics and professionals in the oil and gas, environmental, health, and safety industries, as well as environmental scientists and policymakers• Features a multi-disciplinary and expert group of chapter authors from academia, non-governmental organizations, governmental agencies, and the oil and gas industry• Provides thoughtful discussion of the ongoing emissions intensity reduction in unconventional oil and gas from a combination of regulation, technology evolution, and voluntary efforts by operators