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Hydraulic Fracturing in Southern Florida: A Critical Analysis of Potential Environmental Impacts

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Abstract

Use of hydraulic fracturing in the completion of oil and gas wells in tight geologic formations has revolutionized the petroleum industry by increasing production and the quantity of available reserves. The practice has been controversial because of real and perceived environmental impacts, particularly groundwater contamination. A detailed scientific analysis of the potential environmental impacts of hydraulic fracturing of the Sunniland Formation in southern Florida was performed to assess the potential for environmental harm. The Sunniland Formation is located more than 3000 m below land surface and is confined by a series of low-permeability geologic units, which protect the shallower fresh groundwater resources from contamination. Freshwater aquifers occur primarily between land surface and a depth of 100 meters. Multiple well casings separated by cement grout also add a high degree of aquifer protection as required by Florida laws and rules for both oil and Class I and II injection wells. Collection, containment, and treatment of flowback fluids and produced water (saltwater containing residual hydrocarbons) are required by law and are monitored by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Produced water has been disposed of successfully in Class II injection wells for the past 60 years without recorded groundwater contamination. Based on a rigorous scientific assessment, the risk of groundwater contaminant and other environmental impacts is minimal. In southern Florida, there is no scientific basis for banning the hydraulic fracturing process on geologic units that contain oil and gas.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank various employees of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for obtaining requested information. We also thank Mr. Rick Barber and for peer review prior to journal submittal. Funding for this research was provided by the research budget of the Emergent Technologies Institute at Florida Gulf Coast University.

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  1. Emergent Technologies Institute, U. A. Whitaker College of Engineering, Florida Gulf Coast University, 16301 Innovation Lane, Fort Myers, FL, 33913, USA

    Thomas M. Missimer

  2. WSP USA, Inc, 1567 Hayley Lane, Suite 202, Fort Myers, FL, 33907, USA

    Robert G. Maliva

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Missimer, T.M., Maliva, R.G. Hydraulic Fracturing in Southern Florida: A Critical Analysis of Potential Environmental Impacts. Nat Resour Res 29, 3385–3411 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11053-020-09619-1

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