Fracking blamed for methane releases

Fracking blamed for methane releases by UPI, November 21, 2012
Australia’s largest natural gas fracking operation is showing larger than expected leaks of methane, research conducted as part of a government inquiry found. … Higher levels of methane were found in the air above the Tara gas field, site of Australia’s most extensive fracking operation, suggesting widespread ground leaks, the researchers said. Levels in some places were at 6.89 parts per million, more than three times the background level, they said. The scientists said they suspect fracking is responsible for changes in soil structure, allowing more methane to escape. “If it’s leaking from the infrastructure that’s an easy fix,” study co-author Isaac Santos said. “If it’s seeping from the soil that’s much harder to fix.”