What is the USGS role related to hydraulic fracturing?
The USGS is a science research agency with no regulatory, land management, or enforcement powers.
This includes:
- research and assessments on the location, quantity, and quality of unconventional oil and gas resources whose production could involve hydraulic fracturing. Resource assessments estimate the quantity of oil and gas that is yet to be discovered but that could be recovered using today’s knowledge and technology.
- Research on water supplies and water quality, including any possible effects on water resources related to oil and gas production and the composition of water injected into and produced from hydrocarbon wells.
- Research on induced seismicity in areas of hydraulic fracturing and wastewater injection.
Related Content
Why have some estimates of undiscovered technically recoverable oil or gas changed so much from previous estimates?
Where in the United States is hydraulic fracturing being used for oil and gas extraction?
Who is responsible for monitoring the issues associated with hydraulic fracturing and protecting our environment?
When did hydraulic fracturing become such a popular approach to oil and gas production?
What is hydraulic fracturing?
What is in the fluid injected into the ground during hydraulic fracturing?
How much water does the typical hydraulically fractured well require?
What environmental issues are associated with hydraulic fracturing?
How is hydraulic fracturing related to earthquakes and tremors?
How does hydraulic fracturing affect the surface or landscape of an area?
How does hydraulic fracturing differ from traditional petroleum development methods?
Can hydraulic fracturing impact the quality of groundwater or surface water?
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Generalized image showing the key points in hydraulic fracturing
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