If you’ve seen the documentary Gasland, or read articles about the mining of sandstone next to Illinois’ Starved Rock State Park, or heard about the potential cause of the Youngstown, OH earthquakes, then you’ve probably come across the word “fracking” a fair bit these past few months.

Hydraulic Fracturing, or “fracking” as it’s more commonly known, is a controversial method for extracting natural gas from deep levels of shale rock underneath aquifers. A well is drilled straight down into the shale seam and then the drill bit is turned horizontally, to expand the well in to the shale layer. A fracking mixture – made of water, sand, and a variety of chemicals – is pumped at high pressure down into the well causing fissures in the shale along the horizontal portion of the well. These fissures go into gas deposits in the shale seem and allow for large quantities of natural gas to be extracted from one well. This method of fracking has proven effective, and has opened up access to natural gas that is equivalent to six Iraq’s worth of oil.

Fracking has come under significant scrutiny over the past few years, with environmental and research organizations arguing that the process itself, in addition to the lack of regulations and protections, can lead to the contamination of precious fresh-water aquifers. The documentary “Gasland”, released in 2010, highlighted the process of horizontal drilling and the damages it can do to drinking water sources. While industry representatives have rebutted the film and labeled it inaccurate, the EPA just recently released a draft report indicating a relationship between fracking and groundwater contamination. The full findings are expected to be released in 2012.

Illinois could very well be the next stop for natural gas fracking. Southern Illinois is home to the New Albany Shale Basin, which is thought to be a source for significant amounts of natural gas. Next Energy LCC, a company out of Colorado, is seeking mineral rights in Saline County, IL while an Iowa-based Production Energy LCC has sought assistance from the McLean County Building and Zoning Board to allow for oil and natural gas drilling.

Given that drilling in Illinois seems imminent, and that the science certainly suggests that there are risks and dangers to our water supply it seems pretty clear that the state could do with some basic regulations – a starting point – to ensure that if fracking is coming here, at least there will be some protections in place.

Thankfully, Sen. Michael Frerichs and Rep. Naomi Jakobsson – both from the Champaign-Urbana area – have introduced legislation that will provide some very necessary protections. The bill passed out of the Senate last session but was stalled in the House. Rep. Jakobbson has reintroduced the bill, HB3897, for this coming session. The bill requires disclosure of chemicals in the fracking solution, so that if contamination occurs, it can be traced back to the responsible party; tough well casing standards, since the failure of well casing is considered one way that frack water gets into groundwater; and finally, standards for waste water storage.

PCG will work closely with our ally, Faith in Place (who spearheaded the efforts last session), and we are hopeful that the legislation will pass out of both chambers. It is imperative that Illinois have a law on the books that protects our water supply and ensures that natural gas is extracted in a responsible way. Session starts next week, so keep your eyes peeled for action alerts and opportunities to help pass the legislation. And, by all means, contact your legislator to let them know that you support HB3897 and regulations for hydraulic fracturing!