Hydraulic Fracturing and the role of the media

HYDRAULIC FRACTURING AND THE ROLE OF MEDIA

Abstract
The gas and oil industry has continued to receive attention not only from the media but also from NGOs, and the public on the issues relating to the impact of hydraulic fracturing on the environment and water resources. The power of media including social media has greatly influenced the attitudes of people towards hydraulic fracturing process resulted into wrong information spread the public. Therefore, the need for an accurate and transparent account of hydraulic fracturing process by the media is very much crucial if the industry is to be sustainable and therefore, protect it from the need of intrusive policy.
This study was conducted to find out the role of media in disseminating such information to the public. This study took the qualitative design approach whereby the respondents were interviewed in their stations. In order to make the understanding easier and ensure the result were quality; the interviews were carried out in the interviewee’s language of choice. In the situation when the researcher was unable to understand the language of the respondent, an interpreter was sought to assist in. The sample involved respondents from groups of population, settlements, and provinces in the whole spectrum. A disproportionately high number of respondents were sought from areas where hydraulic fracturing was taking place so as to give a true reflection on the status of things. The analysis state weighed in all the findings in presenting the views of the population.
Although the media is expected to provide factual and unbiased information with regard to hydraulic fracturing the study has interestingly established that most of the media information so disseminated is based on negative aspects leaving out the positive ones. Some of the blame for this aspect to the gas and oil industry players who will fail to cooperate with the media players and provide them with the reliable information. The failure of the industry players in being transparent has resulted in the public having more trust to these media players in providing them with the related information. This in turn has resulted in many people developing negative attitudes towards hydraulic fracturing process since the media relies on unreliable sources.

Table of Contents
 TOC \o "1-3" \h \z \u  HYPERLINK \l "_Toc351139817"
Abstract  PAGEREF _Toc351139817 \h
2
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CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION  PAGEREF _Toc351139818 \h
5
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1.1 Executive Summary  PAGEREF _Toc351139819 \h
5
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1.2 Purpose of the study  PAGEREF _Toc351139820 \h
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1.3 Statement of the problem  PAGEREF _Toc351139821 \h
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1.4 Researcher’s Role  PAGEREF _Toc351139822 \h
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1.5 Research Questions  PAGEREF _Toc351139823 \h
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1.6 Research Design Methodology and Technical Detail  PAGEREF _Toc351139824 \h
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1.7 Definition of Terms  PAGEREF _Toc351139825 \h
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CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW  PAGEREF _Toc351139826 \h
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2.0 Introduction  PAGEREF _Toc351139827 \h
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2.1 Empirical Review  PAGEREF _Toc351139828 \h
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2.1.1 Importance of Media Information and Disclosures on Hydraulic Fracturing  PAGEREF _Toc351139829 \h
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2.1.2 Media Coverage Censorship on Hydraulic Fracturing  PAGEREF _Toc351139830 \h
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2.1.3 Media on Hydraulic Fracturing  PAGEREF _Toc351139831 \h
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CHAPTER THREE: ANALYSIS  PAGEREF _Toc351139832 \h
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3.0 Introduction  PAGEREF _Toc351139833 \h
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CHAPTER FOUR: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS  PAGEREF _Toc351139834 \h
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Recommendation  PAGEREF _Toc351139835 \h
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Reference  PAGEREF _Toc351139836 \h
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Appendix I  PAGEREF _Toc351139851 \h
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CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Executive Summary
Hydraulic fracturing is a technology that employs water pressure in creating hairline fractures in rocks that are in deep underground so as to allow natural gas to stream. Hydraulic fracturing is a confirmed process of completion that allows extraction of natural gas, oil and other natural resources. This form of technology is capable of not only reducing people’s reliance on fuel imports but also dramatically reducing emissions of poisonous gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2. In addition, it also accelerates the humanistic transformation to a carbon light environment. In essence, the oil formation development and natural gas is a crucial aspect not only in America but also in the global perspective in terms of solving our energy needs and economic development (ChesaPeak, n.d).In order to realize the full potential of this energy source everyone should respond effectively to the production process in hydraulic fracturing. This means that the industry is expected to make proper management of the associated risks and clarify vividly to the policy makers and the public on how the industry is managing the risks associated with the Hydraulic fracturing production process.
In the recent perspective, Hydraulic fracturing as stirred an enormous amount of controversial opinions. There have been media reports regarding this issue from different areas such as USA, Canada, Australia, South Africa, England and France. There are other media houses and practitioners hailing this entity as a game changer poised to creating more employment opportunities, increased energy dependence and reduced energy costs. On the other hand, there are those calling or for either a complete ban or a temporary moratorium on this concept owing to the concern on social, environmental and public health impact (Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission 2008).
In better understanding the role and impact of media in this perspective, we conducted a research based on extensive interviews with abroad range of stakeholders including the public, the media industry, academia and NGOs across the US. This paper provides a summary of the issues recognized in the interviews as well as the initial evaluation and synthesizing the existing literature. This paper specifically evaluates the role and impact of media in enhancing hydraulic fracturing in US perspective. For the purposes of this study, we employ a wider definition of hydraulic fracturing to include those impacts, which are correlated with the construction process, completion, as well as the hydraulic fracturing itself, production process and finally the closure.
1.2 Purpose of the study
The purpose of this study is to investigate the role and impact of the media in Hydraulic Fracturing.
1.3 Statement of the problem
Much of the media attention on hydraulic fracturing has mainly been focused on chemicals in the fracturing fluids groundwater and environmental risks posted by this process of hydraulic fracturing. The strategies identified in addressing this situation have been focused on disclosures and in another perspective the use of chemicals that are less toxic. It should be noted that the risks related to hydraulic fracturing are not the only concern to be addressed.
Various organizations, media practitioners and researchers have reported difficult in conducting and reporting the findings of the studies or information on hydraulic fracturing (Urbina, 2011). This is partly caused by the government and industry pressure, concern over the censoring of environmental information. Scholars around the world have expressed concern that all information concerning hydraulic fracturing including, test of lives dwelling near fracturing sites, hydraulic fracturing fluids and evaluation of the environmental samples to be vividly disclosed (Ramanuja, 2012). It is a common phenomenon in US for court cases that concerns contamination of hydraulic fracturing to be sealed after they are completed. According to the American Petroleum institute, this system only helps in hiding issues and problems with gas drilling. Other Commentators have argued that it could lead to unnecessary risks to public safety and the general health
The considerable number of oppositionists in hydraulic fracturing operations in many areas has resulted into organizations incorporating a broad range of public relations measures that attempt to alleviate fears that regarding hydraulic fracturing. There may be some confusion element in the media and also the broader public understanding with regard to hydraulic fracking operations and jobs, incidents of contaminations from coal bed methane and shale gas incidents. It is therefore the purpose of this research in elucidating the role of media in stirring up public understanding or misunderstanding of hydraulic fracturing operations and its environmental and life impact.
1.4 Researcher’s Role
This survey involved participants in the media Industry, governmental officials with regard to environmental protection as well as the public domain. The researcher interviewed the participants with regard to research questions in order to gain insights on the role and impact of media in hydraulic fracturing. The researcher employed the interview guide with the research questions in his interaction with the participants. During the interview process, he was responsible for writing down data according to the responses offered. Additionally, the researcher evaluated other studies in order to identify and gather insights on the current study.
1.5 Research Questions
The Research Questions that were used in this study include:
1. To what extent is the media information on hydraulic fracturing is reliable in the public
Domain?
2. How does the information influences people’s attitudes and perceptions?
3. To what extent is the gas and oil industry responsible for the kind of information?
Disseminated by the media?
4. Is the media censorship on hydraulic fracturing information necessary?
1.6 Research Design Methodology and Technical Detail
This research study has been undertaken as a requirement in my study area. The main objective as stated earlier was to establish the role of media in hydraulic fracturing. I saw that this issue could be achieved through interviewing the residents especially in places where the process were being undertaken. 200 face-to-face interviews were conducted in the residential places of the respondents who were the representative adults in that area. The fieldwork Period was 4 February to 1st March 2013.
In order to make the understanding easier and ensure the result were quality; the interviews were carried out in the interviewee’s language of choice. In the situation when the researcher was unable to understand the language of the respondent, an interpreter was sought to assist in. The sample involved respondents from groups of population, settlements, and provinces in the whole spectrum. A disproportionately high number of respondents were sought from areas where hydraulic fracturing was taking place so as to give a true reflection on the status of things. The analysis state weighed in all the findings in presenting the views of the population.
1.7 Definition of Terms
Hydraulic Fracturing: This is a technique used in propagating fractures in a rock layer by use
of Pressurized fluid in order for the rocks to produce the oil and gases in them
Disclosure: this term has been used in this study to mean provision of information by the oil and
gas Industry players to the public
Media Censorship: This term is used to mean the choices or strategies propagated to keep some
media Information from going public
Environmental Health: This consists of control or prevention of a disease, disability of injury
relating to the interaction between the humans and the environment
.
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 Introduction
This chapter evaluates other studies on the role of media on hydraulic fracturing. The empirical evaluation includes the importance of media information on hydraulic fracturing, the impact of government policy on the media coverage on hydraulic fracturing, measures undertaken by the media in ensuring fare coverage of hydraulic fracturing and also how the industry assist in disclosing hydraulic fracturing information to the media.
2.1 Empirical Review
2.1.1 Importance of Media Information and Disclosures on Hydraulic Fracturing
As the tight oil and shale gas consistently increases, the public concern over hydraulic fracturing is among the obstacles threatening these crucial resources. The gas and oil industry has continued to receive attention not only from the media but also from NGOs, and the public on the issues relating to the impact of hydraulic fracturing on the environment and water resources. The power of media including social media has greatly influenced the attitudes of people towards hydraulic fracturing process resulted into wrong information to be spread among the public. Therefore, the need for an accurate and transparent account of hydraulic fracturing process is very much crucial if the industry is to be sustainable and therefore, protect it from the need of intrusive policy.
Many states require hydraulic fracturing rules and regulations to be adhered to. Some of these regulations are requirements of identification of substances employed in hydraulic fracturing for gas and oil, making the records and information available to the general public even if they have not requested for the same. According to Steve, (2013), the media has not been very helpful in disseminating correct information with regard to hydraulic fracturing process; instead, they provide alarming headlines, which seems to link every aspect of the gas and oil development with hydraulic fracturing.
On the other hand, Fetcher (2002) explains that there is not specific prerequisite for the industry players to disclose chemicals on federal lands. Especially in places where 90 percent of he drilled wells use hydraulic fracturing in increasing the gas and oil volume available for production. Many states have considered a regulation requiring public disclosure of chemicals employed in hydraulic fracturing after the completion of hydraulic operations.
Owing to the concerns associated with environmental risks in hydraulic fracturing, the federal ministry of natural conservancy, environment and safety commissioned a study on the environmental impact of hydraulic fracturing. Among the recommendation of the study were intensive administration and sensitive management as well as transparency in its operations. Apparently, the federal government has called for an extensive discussion by the public with regard to the study findings
The natural oil and gas industry has been ostensibly relying on hydraulic fracturing since 1940s. For instance, in the state of Colorado, hydraulic fracturing became a routine completion technique for most of its wells. Owing to increased public interest and the concern on the impact of hydraulic fracturing on the environment and public health, including the ground water and surface resources, the COGCC compiled documents and links on its websites that provides information to anyone concerned on hydraulic fracturing. This information is hoped to be useful in assisting the understanding on hydraulic fracturing, its definition, and its benefits, how it is regulated and the industry undertakes the protection of the environment and the public (COGCC, 2013).
The National Resource Defense Council (NRDC, 2012) explains that it is paramount that the safety, health professionals and the public to have full access to any information that is related to the components of hydraulic fracturing fluids as well as the waste materials. The cliques should also obtain information on where and how hydraulic fracturing is conducted. This is because in most cases, fracking is conducted in a closer proximity to schools, homes, and workplaces. This means that without these requirements, the community members where these operations are conducted are not given a right to information with regard to the procedure or chemicals involved.
Hydraulic fracturing disclosures on chemicals, generated wastes and its management as well as the details on where and how the fracturing was conducted are beneficial to the stakeholders. Sufficient pre hydraulic disclosures enable the owners and consumers of nearby water catchment areas to perform baseline testing in establishing the water quality before the actual process, including the absence and presence of the constituency of chemicals in frack fluids.
Chemical disclosures are important in assisting to determine the source of any imminent ground water contamination. The responders would need the information in appropriately responding to accidents and other emergencies. Health practitioners require unrestricted access to information with regard to what their patients were exposed to and the level of concentrations for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. The disclosures on chemicals enable the public to asses the anticipated risks which chemical use pose to their communities. Water use disclosures provide the public with information on the impact of hydraulic fracking on the government supply of water. Waste creation and disposal disclosures offers and account of the created wastes, the societal costs and the contents of its disposal.
The vigorous public disclosure system is also crucial for scientific studies in providing enhanced understanding on the cumulative health and environmental effects on hydraulic fracturing. It also serves as aground for making informed policies in protecting the public. It highlights responsible organization actors while at the same time drawing attention to processes that would jeopardize the public health and environment. A comprehensive disclosure regulation is an essential component for full suit hydraulic fracking ...