Fracking in Wayne National Forest

 

The implementation of any technology requires the consideration of the safety of life and property. Also, engineers are bound by a code of ethics in their operations. Hydraulic fracturing is one of the technologies that raise safety concerns. This technology, also known as fracking, is used to obtain fossil fuels such as petroleum and natural gas from deep underground. It involves the drilling of wells deep underground of up to 7000 feet. Veins are then drilled horizontally from the main vertical well, followed by pumping of water and chemicals at extremely high pressure. The result is fracturing of the rocks which lead to the release of the natural resources from the rock pores. Such activities have been ongoing at the Wayne National Forest located in Ohio, US. However, they were halted after an earthquake struck the area, raising further safety concerns. I intend to argue that hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, should not be restarted in Wayne National Forest.

Fracking in Wayne National Forest is harmful to the Forest ecosystem and creates a potential hazard for the people in the area. Research has shown that a single fracking operation uses 80-330 tons of chemicals contained in the pumped water. Some of these chemicals are carcinogenic. Much of this fluid is not removed after use. There is, therefore, a great chance of it sipping into groundwater hence contaminating it. The result is contaminated wells and springs which residents obtain water from. The drilling also disrupts the ecosystem of the forest. Hence, fracking violates the ethical principle of non-maleficence. This principle requires that operations do not bring any harm (Van de Poel 678). Furthermore, it obligates that precautions be taken against any possible risks. In terms of approaches to acceptable risks, hydraulic fracturing advantages do not outweigh the risks (van de Poel and Royakkers 233). The argument put forward by the proponents is that fracking in the forest has led to an economic boom in surrounding towns. The risk of carcinogenic chemicals sipping into the water is, however, a greater risk. By all reason, the safety of human lives outweighs any economic gains. Thus, such a risk is unacceptable. Hence, to avert such harm, fracking in Wayne National Forest should not be restarted.

My second argument is that there are better alternatives to hydraulic fracturing. The mining and use of fossil fuels have for a long time being criticized. This is especially in light of increased global warming. Proponents support fracking by stating that Natural gas, one of the major resources obtained through fracking, emits 45% less Carbon dioxide (CO₂) after use. While this is true, there are renewable energy sources that emit 0% CO₂ such as wind energy (Lawlor and Morley 1433). Considering the ethical principle of beneficence, any technology is required to ‘do good’ and prevent harm (Van de Poel 681). Given that this is the case, then hydraulic fracturing is obligated to give way to a better alternative such as renewable energy. Additionally, when it comes to acceptable risks, one of the approaches is to seek the best alternative technology (van de Poel and Royakkers 233). Since renewable energy alternatives are well known, they should be considered.

Given my arguments, hydraulic fracturing should not be restarted in Wayne National Forest. The harmful effects of this technology on both the forest and the residents are unacceptable. Also, there are better alternatives to this technology such as renewable energy. Hence, the risks of fracking are not acceptable and the ethical violations cannot be ignored.

 

Works Cited

Lawlor, Rob, and Helen Morley. “Climate Change and Professional Responsibility: A Declaration of Helsinki for Engineers.” Science and Engineering Ethics, vol. 23, no. 5, 2017, pp. 1431-1452.

Van de Poel, Ibo. “An Ethical Framework for Evaluating Experimental Technology.” Science And Engineering Ethics vol.22, no. 3, 2016 pp. 667-686.

van de Poel, I. R., and L. M. M. Royakkers. Ethics, Technology, and Engineering: An Introduction. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 2011.