Environmental and Health Issues in Unconventional Oil and Gas Development


Book Description

Environmental and Health Issues in Unconventional Oil and Gas Development offers a unique, non-partisan perspective relevant to the use of directional drilling and hydraulic fracturing, presenting clear and frank discussions on implications for a variety of stakeholders involved in unconventional oil and shale gas development. Much has changed since the first edition, including how UOGD is performed, changes in monitoring and control technologies, and new issues raised by both government and non-government stakeholders. The contributing authors address a wide range of relevant topics. The economics of hydraulic fracturing are discussed. Methane emissions, decarbonization, and responsibly sourced gas are explored in depth. The authors also look closely at climate risk and risk mitigation. Water issues are covered with a review of water quality impacts along with waste issues. This is followed by a detailed examination of health and safety in regard to occupational health, public health, risk perception, risk communication, and transportation. Finally, the editors wrap up with important discussions on environmental justice and environmental, social, and corporate governance. Readers will find much to consider and apply to their own work within this reference on the critical environmental issues facing the unconventional oil and gas industry.• Serves as a collective, up-to-date resource for academics and professionals in the oil and gas, environmental, health, and safety industries, as well as environmental scientists and policymakers• Features a multi-disciplinary and expert group of chapter authors from academia, non-governmental organizations, governmental agencies, and the oil and gas industry• Provides thoughtful discussion of the ongoing emissions intensity reduction in unconventional oil and gas from a combination of regulation, technology evolution, and voluntary efforts by operators







Innovative Exploration Methods for Minerals, Oil, Gas, and Groundwater for Sustainable Development


Book Description

Innovative Exploration Methods for Mineral, Oil, Gas, and Groundwater for Sustainable Development provides an integrated approach to exploration encompassing geology, geophysics, mining, and mineral processing. In addition, groundwater exploration is included, as it is central to the development of earth resources. As the demand for coal, minerals, oil and gas, and water continues to grow globally, researchers must prioritize sustainable exploration methods. Old technologies are being replaced speedily and exploration work has become fast, focused, meaningful, and readily reproducible keeping in pace with the changing global scenario. The themes of exploration of energy resources, exploration of minerals, groundwater exploration and processing and mineral engineering are separated out into sections and chapters included in these sections include case studies focusing on tools and techniques for exploration. Innovative Exploration Methods for Mineral, Oil, Gas, and Groundwater for Sustainable Development gives insight to modern concepts of exploration for those working in the various fields of energy, mineral, and groundwater exploration. - Presents innovative research that will both challenge and complement the traditional concepts of exploration - Covers a wide range of instruments and their applications, as well as the tools and processes that need to be followed for modern exploration work - Includes research on groundwater exploration with a focus on conservation and sustainable exploration and development




Oil in the Sea III


Book Description

Since the early 1970s, experts have recognized that petroleum pollutants were being discharged in marine waters worldwide, from oil spills, vessel operations, and land-based sources. Public attention to oil spills has forced improvements. Still, a considerable amount of oil is discharged yearly into sensitive coastal environments. Oil in the Sea provides the best available estimate of oil pollutant discharge into marine waters, including an evaluation of the methods for assessing petroleum load and a discussion about the concerns these loads represent. Featuring close-up looks at the Exxon Valdez spill and other notable events, the book identifies important research questions and makes recommendations for better analysis ofâ€"and more effective measures againstâ€"pollutant discharge. The book discusses: Inputâ€"where the discharges come from, including the role of two-stroke engines used on recreational craft. Behavior or fateâ€"how oil is affected by processes such as evaporation as it moves through the marine environment. Effectsâ€"what we know about the effects of petroleum hydrocarbons on marine organisms and ecosystems. Providing a needed update on a problem of international importance, this book will be of interest to energy policy makers, industry officials and managers, engineers and researchers, and advocates for the marine environment.







Environmental Impacts of Renewable Energy


Book Description

Renewable Energy Has a Good Side and a Bad Side Evaluate BothAll energy sources affect the environment in which we live. While fossil fuels may essentially do more harm, renewable energy sources can also pose a threat to the environment. Allowing for the various renewable energy sources: solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and geothermal, Environmental I







The Power of Renewables


Book Description

The United States and China are the world's top two energy consumers and, as of 2010, the two largest economies. Consequently, they have a decisive role to play in the world's clean energy future. Both countries are also motivated by related goals, namely diversified energy portfolios, job creation, energy security, and pollution reduction, making renewable energy development an important strategy with wide-ranging implications. Given the size of their energy markets, any substantial progress the two countries make in advancing use of renewable energy will provide global benefits, in terms of enhanced technological understanding, reduced costs through expanded deployment, and reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions relative to conventional generation from fossil fuels. Within this context, the U.S. National Academies, in collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), reviewed renewable energy development and deployment in the two countries, to highlight prospects for collaboration across the research to deployment chain and to suggest strategies which would promote more rapid and economical attainment of renewable energy goals. Main findings and concerning renewable resource assessments, technology development, environmental impacts, market infrastructure, among others, are presented. Specific recommendations have been limited to those judged to be most likely to accelerate the pace of deployment, increase cost-competitiveness, or shape the future market for renewable energy. The recommendations presented here are also pragmatic and achievable.




Environmental Considerations Associated with Hydraulic Fracturing Operations


Book Description

A guide to environmental and communication issues related to fracking and the best approach to protect communities Environmental Considerations Associated with Hydraulic Fracturing Operations offers a much-needed resource that explores the complex challenges of fracking by providing an understanding of the environmental and communication issues that are inherent with hydraulic fracturing. The book balances the current scientific knowledge with the uncertainty and risks associated with hydraulic fracking. In addition, the authors offer targeted approaches for helping to keep communities safe. The authors include an overview of the historical development of hydraulic fracturing and the technology currently employed. The book also explores the risk, prevention, and mitigation factors that are associated with fracturing. The authors also include legal cases, regulatory issues, and data on the cost of recovery. The volume presents audit checklists for gathering critical information and documentation to support the reliability of the current environmental conditions related to fracking operations and the impact fracking can have on a community. This vital resource: Contains the technical information and mitigation recommendations for safety and environmental issues related to hydraulic fracturing Offers an historical overview of conventional and unconventional oil and gas drilling Explains the geologic and technical issues associated with fracking of tight sand and shale formulations Presents numerous case studies from the United States EPA and other agencies Discusses issues of co-produced waste water and induced seismicity from the injection of wastewater Written for environmental scientists, geologists, engineers, regulators, city planners, attorneys, foresters, wildlife biologists, and others, Environmental Considerations Associated with Hydraulic Fracturing Operations offers a comprehensive resource to the complex environmental and communication issues related to fracking.