Also known as “fracking,” this is a technique that is used for accessing natural gas and oil in tight geologic formations. The process involves pumping or injecting a combination of water, proppant (e.g. sand), and minor quantities of chemicals at high pressures to fracture rock and release hydrocarbons. Contrary to popular opinion, hydraulic fracturing does NOT affect the water table and the chemical make-up of liquids used during the process account for < 2% of the total liquids, on average.
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