Fracking should adopt 600 meter depth minimum, researchers say

According to research recently published in Marine and Petroleum Geology, hydraulic fracturing should occur at least 600 meters from water supplies to prevent contaminating the water. The scientists in the study found that fractures in rock could extend up to 588 meters from the breaking point. However, the probability of a fracture being longer than 600 meters was extremely low.

Most fracking takes place approximately 2 to 3 kilometers below the surface, as this is where shale gas typically forms. The researchers suggest that the 600 meter minimum distance should be adopted as a regulation for hydraulic fracturing.

Read more at The Guardian.

Image credit: The Pelican Post.