GENERIC ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS OF SHALE GAS PRODUCTION

Shale gas has been one of the sources of natural gas, in small but continuous volumes
since the earliest years of development. Nowadays, modern shale gas development
has become a technological play, in which the development is facilitated by the
technological advances in the oil and gas industry has made in hydraulic fracturing
and horizontal drilling over the last two decades. However, the risks remain since
shale gas development around the world has met with fierce opposition from local
residents and environmental groups due to environmental concerns over the
hydraulic fracturing process. If mismanaged, hydraulic fracturing fluid which may
contain potentially hazardous chemicals can be released by spills, leaks, faulty well
construction, or other exposure pathways. The purpose of this paper is to identify the
generic environmental implications of the shale gas extraction and the types of
mitigation techniques exist for such cases in the countries with technically
recoverable shale gas resources in the world by studying the related articles, book
and previous journals. In conducting this project, a few research methodologies such
as case study, analysis and evaluation are identified to be carried out to ensure this
project to be successfully completed in achieving its objectives.