Pro-fracking ad accidentally reveals dangers of fracking

[n2doc]

BY CHRISTOPHER MIMS
26 MAY 2011 12:36 PM

ExxonMobil has been running full-page ads that make underground hydraulic fracturing operations -- the same ones responsible for massive environmental problems all over the U.S. -- look about as threatening as a World Book encyclopedia illustration of a water pipe.

The ads highlight the multiple layers of steel and concrete used to protect shallow aquifers. Too bad this casing fails regularly, according to ProPublica, leading to multiple accidents in the American Northeast, as well as Colorado and Ohio.

The ad also falsely implies that these layers of protection extend the full length of the well -- turns out that they don't. That's probably less significant than the casing failures, which threaten relatively shallow water supplies, but it's still sneaky.

Also sneaky: ExxonMobil and Chevron's shareholders have just rejected proposals to disclose more data on their fracking operations. Looks like the world's most profitable company is trying mightily to control the message that gets to the public -- no doubt because they're totally innocent of all wrongdoing!

http://www.grist.org/list/2011-05-26-pro-fracking-ad-accidentally-reveals-dangers-of-fracking

[Curmudgeoness]

1. Yep, all of these drillers are doing such a fine job so far.

This ad convinces me that everything will be fine now. :sarcasm:

From the original ProPublica article link: "The ad makes for a good moment to remind people that most states require multiple layers of casing for only a short distance underground, so they can protect shallow aquifers. After that, a well may have only one casing layer for a short way, and then no casing at all. Some wells run for thousands of feet through rock and dirt with no cement or additional steel barrier at all."


Deceptive, you bet. Intentional, you bet.

[Fly by night]

2. Apropos of all that ...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=439&topic_id=1155305

"In honor of my own Rapture: driving the unholy Mother-frackers out of our sacred temples"

[Name removed]

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