An Independent Scientific Assessment of Well Stimulation in California Volume II - Potential Environmental Impacts of Hydraulic Fracturing and Acid Stimulations

Abstract

This study is issued in three volumes. Volume I, issued in January 2015, describes how well stimulation technologies work, how and where operators deploy these technologies for oil and gas production in California, and where they might enable production in the future. Volume II, the present volume, discusses how well stimulation could affect water, atmosphere, seismic activity, wildlife and vegetation, and human health. Volume II reviews available data, and identifies knowledge gaps and alternative practices that could avoid or mitigate these possible impacts. Volume III, also issued in July 2015, presents case studies that assess environmental issues and qualitative risks for specific geographic regions. A final Summary Report summarizes key findings, conclusions and recommendations of all three volumes.

Authors

Birkholzer, Jens T.; Camarillo, Mary Kay; Foxall, William; Houseworth, James; Jin, Ling; Lindsey, Nathaniel J.; Varadharajan, Charuleka; Cooley, Heather; Donnelly, Kristina; Hays, Jake; Brandt, Adam; Hamdoun, Amro; Banbury, Jenner