shale report group 4

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Tarrant County College, Fort Worth *

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GEOL 1403

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Geology

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Apr 3, 2024

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[Last Name] 1 Tiana Wyrick Krystelle Capobianco Kylie Smith MaryRose Munifo Endurance Ikechukwu Dr. Pak Chagarlamudi GEOL-1401 11/13/2023 The Barnett Shale: The Economic and Environmental Impact in Tarrant County The Barnett Shale has been producing natural gases and oil for United States for almost 20 years. It is one of the largest natural gas fields onshore, in the US. Shale extraction activities have become a significant part of the economic landscape in Tarrant County, bringing both economic opportunities and environmental concerns. This report aims to delve into the economic impact of shale extraction on the local community in Tarrant County, as well as the environmental consequences associated with these activities. The economic impact of shale extraction in Tarrant County is substantial, contributing significantly to job creation, local revenue generation, and overall economic growth. According to a study conducted by the Tarrant County Economic Development Corporation (TCEDC), shale extraction activities have led to the creation of thousands of jobs in the region. The employment opportunities span across various sectors, including drilling, transportation, and support services, providing a diverse range of job options for the local workforce (TCEDC, 2019).

[Last Name] 2 Furthermore, the influx of workers into the area has led to increased demand for housing, retail, and services, positively affecting local businesses. According to a study done by The Perryman Group, “A significant portion of the incremental growth in the economy of the region (almost 40% over some time periods of intense development) has been the result of Barnett Shale activity. Moreover, the overall economic contribution of this phenomenon is significant even within the large regional economy.” (Perryman, 2014) The economic benefits extend beyond direct employment and tax revenue. The Barnett Shale extraction has also attracted investments in related industries, such as manufacturing and technology, further diversifying the local economy. Tarrant County has witnessed the establishment of new businesses catering to the specific needs of the shale extraction sector, fostering a more resilient and dynamic economic environment (TCEDC, 2019). While shale extraction activities have undeniably brought economic prosperity to Tarrant County, they also raise significant environmental concerns. The extraction process, commonly known as hydraulic fracturing or fracking, involves the injection of water, sand, and chemicals into the ground to release natural gas or oil. This process has been associated with various environmental issues including but not limited to water contamination, air pollution and tremors. When examining the chemicals used in the fracking fluid, along with the release of naturally occurring contaminants from the shale formation, these can potentially contaminate groundwater sources. Studies have shown instances of elevated levels of pollutants in groundwater near shale extraction sites (Jackson et al., 2013). Air pollution is another significant environmental consequence. The extraction process releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other air pollutants into the atmosphere, contributing to smog formation and posing health risks to nearby communities. Additionally, the

[Last Name] 3 transportation of extracted materials and the operation of heavy machinery contribute to air quality degradation (Olson et al., 2018). There is also much to be said about whether or not natural gas extraction is more sustainable and eco-friendly than traditional coal-fired plants. Natural gas extraction emits far less carbon dioxide than its coal-fired counterparts. However, the process of fracking emits methane which is 34% more potent and pollutant than carbon dioxide (Malewitz, 2018). The disturbance of land and habitat fragmentation are additional concerns associated with shale extraction. Large-scale drilling operations can lead to the destruction of ecosystems, affect- ing local wildlife and biodiversity. The clearing of land for well pads, roads, and other infrastruc- ture alters the natural landscape, potentially disrupting the balance of local ecosystems (Finkel & Law, 2013). To close, the Barnett Shale extraction activities in Tarrant County have brought about significant economic benefits, including job creation, increased revenue, and business diversification. However, these economic gains come at a cost, as shale extraction is associated with environmental challenges such as water and air pollution, as well as habitat disruption. Balancing the economic advantages with environmental sustainability is a complex task that requires careful consideration and regulation to ensure the long-term well-being of both the local community, the environment, and wildlife habitats.

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[Last Name] 4 Resources Tarrant County Economic Development Corporation. (2020). Economic Impact of Shale Explo- ration and Production in Tarrant County. https://www.tarrantcountytx.gov/content/dam/main/au- ditor/FinancialAccountingReports/Annual%20Financial%20Reports/annual-comprehensive-fi- nancial-report/T_C_Comprehensive_Annual_Financial_Report_2010_032911.pdf Jackson, R. B., Vengosh, A., Darrah, T. H., Warner, N. R., Down, A., Poreda, R. J., Osborn, S. G., Zhao, K., & Karr, J. D. (2013). Increased stray gas abundance in a subset of drinking water wells near Marcellus shale gas extraction. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 110(28), 11250-11255. Finkel, M. L., & Law, A. (2013). The rush to drill for natural gas: a public health cautionary tale. American Journal of Public Health, 103(7), 1190-1198. Barnett Shale. (n.d.). https://www.rrc.texas.gov/oil-and-gas/major-oil-and-gas-formations/bar- nett-shale/ Olson, J., Heberger, M., & Donnelly, K. (2018). Air Quality and Community Health Impacts of Shale Gas Development in the United States. California Journal of Politics and Policy, 10(1), 1-32. Malewitz, J. (2018, August 8). Shale drilling leaks more methane than Feds thought. The Texas Tribune. https://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/07/new-study-adds-fuel-debate-fracking- and-climate/#:~:text=Shale%20Drilling%20Leaks%20More%20Methane%20Than %20Thought,a%20new%20series%20of%20studies. Mason, C. F., Muehlenbachs, L. A., & Olmstead, S. M. (n.d.). The economics of Shale Gas De- velopment. https://media.rff.org/documents/RFF-DP-14-42.pdf Perryman, D. R. (2014). The Economic and Fiscal Contribution of the Barnett Shale: Impact of Oil and Gas Exploration and Production on Business Activity and Tax Receipts in the Re- gion and State. Waco: The Perryman Group. https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/ themes/53bd69dfb504f5482e000001/attachments/original/1411484571/Perryman_Bar - nett_Shale_Impact_8_6_2014.pdf

shale report group 4

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