because

water knows

no boundaries

 
 
What is hydraulic fracturing? Hydraulic fracturing, a.k.a. fracking, is a natural gas extraction process that injects a mixture of water, sand and chemicals under high pressure into dense rock formations approximately one mile below the earth’s surface to crack the rock and release methane gas. Why should Maryland citizens care about fracking? Western Maryland is part of what is being called “the Saudi Arabia of natural gas,” because below its surface lies a rock formation, the Marcellus Shale, that spans parts of West Virginia, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania and Western Maryland. Though fracking holds promise for a new, potentially cleaner source of energy for the region and the country, lack of regulation, inconsistency in safe practices, disposal of toxic flowback fluid and documented accidents call for critical scrutiny. Fracking is exempt from the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act and other federal environmental regulations. Regulation is left up to the states, which currently lack the funds necessary to properly regulate the industry. Additionally, the gas industry often has substantial influence on how state regulation is conducted. Fracking takes millions of gallons of fresh water permanently out of the water system and creates toxic flowback fluid that is ending up in rivers, streams and drinking water supplies. The gas industry has been conducting hydraulic fracturing since 2004, and this practice carries with it a track record of incidents and accidents that have caused water contamination, air pollution, consistent illness in humans and wildlife, and destruction of public lands. There is currently a moratorium on fracking in Maryland to allow for a comprehensive assessment of the effects of fracking on people, ecosystems, infrastructure, water and air quality, etc. In Pennsylvania, however, wells are being built at lightening speed. As a result, fracking fluid is finding its way to the Susquehanna River -- a direct source of drinking water for some Maryland citizens and a water source in times of drought for much of the state. It is also the chief tributary to the Chesapeake Bay. For citizens of Western Maryland, fracking poses serious threats to ground water, air quality, and subsequently to human health. Noise pollution and damaged infrastructure -- the cost of which is borne by the state -- are also a threat, as thousands of diesel trucks take to roads and bridges not built for such heavy, industrial traffic. The oil and gas industry’s influence on the rate of wells being built and the regulation of fracking is powerful and well-financed. An informed citizenry is essential to an intelligent and safe approach to gas extraction for both Maryland and Pennsylvania. Water is essential to life and deserves to be protected without exception. Stay informed and have a say!

Right now a new process of natural gas extraction known as hydraulic fracturing, a.k.a. fracking, is threatening the safety of Maryland’s waterways and drinking water. 

The damage could be irreversible.  

The hazardous effects of fracking on people and eco-systems have been well documented in states such as Pennsylvania, Texas and Colorado.  It is worth taking a hard look at the experience of other states and what’s at stake before Maryland jumps into fracking. 

We never know the worth of water till the well is dry.  ~  Thomas Fuller

Maryland Citizens for Safe Energy is a volunteer organization intended to provide critical information on hydraulic fracturing and give Maryland citizens a voice on the issue of how hydraulic fracturing will be conducted in Maryland.

In 2010 alone, Pennsylvania approved 3,500 fracking wells – adding to the 2,000 already in use – with the intention of creating 3000 to 5000 wells per year for the next 30 years.  

Open pits are used to store toxic fluids associated with fracking. Liquid wastes may contain toxic substances that can:

  1. •Overflow the sides of the pit (e.g., during a rain event, or due to inadequate storage volume of the pit) and pollute soil and surface waters

  2. •Leach directly into the ground (if stored in unlined pits) and contaminate soil and water.

  3. •Seep into the ground (even if the pits are lined) through tears in liners, allowing substances to leak through to the soil and groundwater. Even if pits are lined, the liners are often improperly installed, or are torn, and frequently leak

Comments?  Questions?  Contact us at

marylandforsafeenergy@gmail.com