The risks associated with all aspects of fracturing have been looked at from a variety of perspectives, but most concerns revolve around the use of water resources and their potential contamination [6]. Other risks are associated with surface spills [7,8]. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been investigating drinking water contamination and is expected to complete an extensive study on all aspects of hydraulic fracturing in 2014 [9]. A conclusion that may be drawn from a review of recent scientific studies and incidences is that horizontal drilling accompanied by hydraulic fracturing poses threats to local environmental conditions.
