oil well drilling texas water

2023-06-11

For as long as many can remember, the argument regarding oil well drilling in Texas has remained a tricky subject. Supporters suggest such endeavors are a required part of the state’s financial growth, while opponents maintain the practice could be hazardous to the region’s water sources.

To commence the process of oil extraction, a bore is created in the ground and a tube is embedded inside. Afterward, a liquid blend of sand, water, and various chemicals is shot into this deep opening with extensive force. This combination shatters the volcanic rock that encapsulates the plantation, resulting in oil seeping through into the pipe.

The utilization of water during drilling necessitates its subsequent transportation to a disposal site, where the polluted liquid is injected into the earth’s depths. This tainted water becomes further contaminated by chemical compounds and pollutants stemming from the task of drilling.

The water utilized during oil well drilling that returns to the surface is called “produced water”. This water is usually tainted with oil, hazardous chemicals, and pollutants, and often discarded in lakes, pits, or rivers.

In recent times, there has been a rapid upsurge in the implementation of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing to unlock the reserves of oil and gas that are stored in shale formations. Unhappily, these processes can have a detrimental impact on the environment due to their dependence on intensive consumption of water and chemicals.

In 2010, an undeniable tragedy in the Gulf of Mexico’s waters transpired – the oil rig known as Deepwater Horizon detonated, manifesting into an immense oil spill of historic proportions – the most extensive offshore disaster in American history.

The disastrous Deepwater Horizon spill served to shed light on the potential perils of offshore oil drilling, as well as advocating for increased regulations in the realm of safety.

The BP oil spill was a man-made tragedy which could have been avoided, leading to irreversible ecological harm, economic distress, and human heartache.

Having been given the stark reminder of what can happen when the proper precautions are not taken, both the oil industry and the government must take greater action to stop another oil spill from occurring.

Exploration for oil beneath sea-level carries many potent hazards; one of which is the danger of a disastrous spillage caused by a mishap.

When drilling for oil, it is important to take steps to prevent a possible catastrophic event; one that could cause significant damage to the natural world, economic struggles for people, and even harmful effects on human health.