What Is Fracking?

The Little Rock, Arkansas, attorneys at the Duncan Firm are currently working with a national law firm to investigate claims by Arkansas residents who may have experienced water problems or property damage due to the natural gas extraction process known as hydraulic fracturing, or fracking.

Arkansas has significant reserves of natural gas, notably in the so-called “Fayetteville Shale” geologic formation, which runs under several counties in central and north-central Arkansas including Cleburne, Faulkner, Independence, Jackson, Prairie, White, Woodruff and Van Buren. Fracking is ongoing in these and other parts of the state.

But just what is fracking?

In fracking, a slurry-like mixture of sand, water and chemical additives is injected deep below the surface of the earth and into the layer of shale where natural gas pockets are found. The high-power injection creates fractures in the earth, releasing natural gas for extraction.

Although the oil and gas industry claims that the chemicals used in fracking and the fracking process itself are safe, there is mounting evidence that suggests the compounds used in fracking can be dangerous to humans and livestock, particularly if the chemicals seep into water supplies. Oil and gas companies are not required to disclose all of the chemicals used in fracking; while Arkansas requires the disclosure of certain fracking chemicals, others are protected as proprietary under trade secret laws.

Negligence or faulty equipment in the fracking process can cause chemicals to leak into the aquifer. Water contamination may in turn contribute to health problems in people and livestock.

If you believe you believe you have been adversely impacted by natural gas fracking, please contact the Little Rock, Arkansas, lawyers at the Duncan Firm for your free case consultation.