[avenueb]

..as a result of fracking..

[vonmoltke]

...in an unsafe manner...

The statements by the researchers are intended to give the impression that fracking is inherently dangerous. Their data do not back that up; rather, their data show that fracking is a process that can be very dangerous and environmentally damaging when not done properly and regulated to ensure it is done properly.

[malyk]

Except without any regulation or enforcement there is no incentive or companies to care about the environmental impact.

So yes, if you do fracking nicely and care about the impact then there is no problem. The reality is that no one involved in fracking cares and it's all about the bottom line so screw the environment.

But yes, it's totally safe otherwise.

[vonmoltke]

> Except without any regulation or enforcement there is no incentive or companies to care about the environmental impact.

I specifically said, "and regulated to enforce it".

> The reality is that no one involved in fracking cares and it's all about the bottom line so screw the environment.

That is not the reality, and I challenge you to demonstrate that.

[maerF0x0]

But keep in mind that many forms of drilling use these tailings ponds to deal with contaminated water: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_sands_tailings_ponds

[ArkyBeagle]

There exist portable treatment plants that solve the whole problem, should prices ever return to allow their use again.

[hanniabu]

That doesn't make it okay

[ArkyBeagle]

"cement barriers" are not fracking. It's general to all drilling and oilfield operations.