Well Placement and Health

Scientific studies have shown that the risk of dangerous exposure to pollution and hazards associated with hydraulic fracturing is directly related to an individual’s proximity to a well site. Individuals who live, work, or play near hydraulic fracturing operations are more likely to be exposed to air and water pollutants and experience negative health effects, including: ^{[1], [2]}

• Adverse birth outcomes and birth defects^{[3], [4], [5], [6], [7]};
• Asthma and other respiratory problems^{[8], [9], [10], [11], [12]};
• Nosebleeds ^[13];
• Migraines^{[14], [15]};
• Skin conditions^{[16], [17]};
• Childhood sub-chronic non-cancers and cancer^{[18], [19], [20], [21]};
• Mental health impacts^{[22], [23], [24]};
• Neurological problems^{[25], [26]};
• Cardiovascular damage^{[27], [28]}; 
• Increased stress from light, noise pollution, and truck traffic.^{[29], [30], [31], [32], [33]}

Accidental or intentional releases of natural gas, such as flaring and venting, at hydraulic fracturing sites can emit air pollutants. Fluids injected into wells and the naturally occurring brine present in oil or gas-bearing rocks have been known to contaminate drinking water. The large volumes of wastewater generated by hydraulic fracturing also pose a risk of pollution if not managed properly.

There is no expert consensus on the minimum safe distance between hydraulically fractured wells and dwellings, schools, or other inhabited buildings, water resources, or critical infrastructure. States with active hydraulic fracturing operations have established minimum setback distance requirements ranging from less than 100 feet to 1,000 feet. Some states are considering increasing their minimum setback distance requirements between wells and homes, schools, hospitals, and other occupied buildings, as well as water resources, to better protect human health from the hazardous conditions and exposures at a hydraulic fracturing well site.

Additional Resources

American Geological Institute: What Determines the Location of a Well?

California Council on Science and Technology: Well Stimulation Project 

Physicians, Scientists, and Engineers: Human Health and Oil and Gas Development in the City of Los Angeles

"Adequacy of Current State Setbacks for Directional High-Volume Hydraulic Fracturing in the Marcellus, Barnett, and Niobrara Shale Plays," Environ Health Perspective

"The effect of Pennsylvania's 500 ft surface setback regulation on siting unconventional natural gas wells near buildings: An interrupted time-series analysis," Energy Policy

Last updated August 20, 2020

References

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