Photojournal: Pennsylvania Natural Gas Well

Photojournal of a Pennsylvania Natural Gas Well: Book 3: Starting to Drill

by Marisa Silva

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	23964 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	718 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE

Natural gas drilling has become a major industry in Pennsylvania in recent years, but it has also come with a number of environmental and social impacts.

This photojournal documents the construction and operation of a natural gas well in Pennsylvania, from the initial clearing of the land to the final completion of the well. The photos show the heavy machinery and equipment used in the drilling process, as well as the environmental impacts of the well, such as deforestation and water pollution.

The photojournal also includes interviews with local residents who have been affected by the natural gas industry. These interviews provide a personal perspective on the impacts of drilling, and they highlight the need for more stringent regulation of the industry.

The Environmental Impacts of Natural Gas Drilling

The drilling and extraction of natural gas can have a number of negative environmental impacts, including:

• Deforestation: The construction of natural gas wells requires the clearing of large areas of land, which can lead to deforestation and habitat loss.
• Water pollution: The drilling process can contaminate groundwater and surface water with chemicals and other pollutants.
• Air pollution: The drilling and extraction of natural gas can release harmful air pollutants, such as methane and volatile organic compounds.
• Climate change: Natural gas is a fossil fuel, and its combustion releases greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.

The Social Impacts of Natural Gas Drilling

The natural gas industry can also have a number of negative social impacts, including:

• Noise pollution: The drilling and extraction of natural gas can create a lot of noise, which can be disruptive to local communities.
• Traffic congestion: The construction and operation of natural gas wells can lead to increased traffic congestion, which can impact local businesses and residents.
• Property value declines: The presence of natural gas wells can lead to a decrease in property values, which can hurt local homeowners.
• Health problems: The chemicals used in the drilling and extraction of natural gas can pose a health risk to local residents, who may experience respiratory problems, headaches, and other health issues.

The Need for Regulation

The environmental and social impacts of natural gas drilling highlight the need for more stringent regulation of the industry. This regulation should include:

• Stronger environmental standards: The government should set stricter environmental standards for natural gas drilling, to protect water quality, air quality, and wildlife habitat.
• More public oversight: The public should have more input into the decision-making process for natural gas drilling, including the siting of wells and the regulation of the industry.
• Increased enforcement: The government should increase enforcement of environmental regulations, to ensure that natural gas companies are following the rules and protecting the environment.

The natural gas industry has the potential to provide a valuable source of energy, but it is important to weigh the environmental and social impacts of drilling before expanding the industry further. By implementing stronger regulations, the government can help to minimize the negative impacts of natural gas drilling and protect the health and well-being of local communities.

Photojournal of a Pennsylvania Natural Gas Well: Book 3: Starting to Drill

by Marisa Silva

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	23964 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	718 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE