Development of Unconventional Oil and Gas Resources: Horizontal Drilling and Hydraulic Fracture Stimulation Techniques

This book addresses the complex challenges of fracking by understanding issues relevant to their particular region, data collection and documentation. This book is designed to help land owners, community leaders, regulators, environmental professionals, among others, in balancing current scientific knowledge with the uncertainty and risks associated with what we know.

After providing an overview of the historical development, geologic factors and technology, each subsequent chapter has been designed to cover a specific risk area with audit checklists which allow for a gathering of information and documentation of background and current conditions related to fracking operations and community impacts. The book is divided into four parts: (1) introduction and technology background; (2) environmental issues and concerns; (3) risk, prevention, and mitigation; and (4) legal cases, regulatory overview and cost recovery considerations.