In today’s world, traditional sources of energy are becoming increasingly scarce, as a result many are questioning how the US will obtain enough energy to sustain future generations.

Hydraulic fracturing, a technique in which deep-rock formations are fractured by drilling with pressurized water mixed with sand and chemicals to obtain natural gas and petroleum, is considered by many to be a solution.

James Diamond, a landowner in Nocamixon, advocates the economic benefits, more US jobs, and a reduce dependence on foreign oil.

“We have no choice,” Diamond said. “Natural gas is very important to the economic development of Pennsylvania and surrounding states.”

In addition, many see Europe as a prime market for natural gas. For example, The Eagle Ford study by the University of Texas at San Antonio found that in 2012 more than $61 billion was made in total economic impact in the US from oil and natural gas development.

Furthermore, the study shows that 116,000 jobs have been supported in 2012 due to the natural gas industry, as well as more than $1 billion in revenue to local government and $1.2 billion in state tax revenue.

However, the issue remains controversial for a variety of reasons.

Opponents of this process emphasize the risks associated with fracking: contamination of ground water, the depletion of fresh water and the degradation of air quality.

In addition, risks of triggering earthquakes and surface pollution are serious concerns.

Sheila Bushkin-Bedient, a health researcher with the Institute for Health and Environment at the University at Albany, and member of Concerned Health Professionals of New York, said, “Many areas of serious concern to public health, water, the environment and economic vitality.”

“Science is still catching up to the rapid expansion of fracking, but what we know already is deeply disconcerting … The alarming weight of evidence is strongly on the side of caution.”

Bushkin-Bedient believes that this has the potential to become a hazard that threatens the wellbeing of the overall public health, and create a huge negative economic impact.

Jim Engel, the director of the Tinicum Conservancy, emphasized the environmental issue of fracking, saying, “The challenge in Bucks County and Nocamixon is that there are hundreds obtaining gas leases for the purposes of fracking… these gas wells in Nocamixon flow downstream and contaminate our drinking water.”

“The problem in Pennsylvania is the lack of proper safe guards and enforcement. Without such safeguards the purity of surface and ground water throughout the rest of Pennsylvania cannot be properly ensured,” Engel continued.

There is concern over the possible adverse public health implications of hydraulic fracturing activity.

A 2013 review on shale gas production in the United States stated, “With increasing numbers of drilling sites, more people are at risk from accidents and exposure to harmful substances used at fractured wells.”

A 2011 hazard assessment recommended full disclosure of chemicals used for hydraulic fracturing and drilling as many have immediate health effects, and many may have long-term health effects.

“The good thing is our work is nation wide, 40 million acres of conserved land. We can’t do it all though, the scale is much larger than that, and unfortunately the ground water contamination is a legacy that would be very long if not forever,” said Engel.

Dr. Carrie Manfrino, a geologist, oceanographer, and professor at Rutgers and Kean University, believes that “there are other ways to obtain energy from the land, without leaving a drastic carbon footprint. “

“Natural gas fracking is a bad idea, which should never be considered. As found by the EPA, it pollutes ground water and has also been blamed for earthquakes.”

This issue resonates with the youth as well as professionals in the field.

“Fracking should be discontinued for environmental purposes,” said Julia Barry, 22, psychology major at Rutgers University

However, she recognizes the obstacles inherent in society.

Dakota Kievman, also a Rutgers student, explained that she thinks fracking is not only a danger to the environment, but it also downgrades the quality of those living around the sites.

Kievman believes that instead of drilling for oil, we could be spending the money and effort on alternative energy.

For the millennial generation it is important to seriously consider the effects that fossil fuels have on the environment, and their future.

“We need people to hop on board. Fracking is affecting our environment, individual lifestyles, and should be banned all together,” said Richard Payne, a student at Syracuse University.

All of our waters, surface and ground, are connected. From the headwaters high on mountaintops, to the downriver systems of streams, ponds, and wetlands.

In this linked system, there is an uncompromising relationship between humans and the natural environment.

Documents reviewed by The Times in February indicate that the Johnstown, PA plant has accepted wastewater with levels of alpha radioactivity roughly 2,157 times higher than the drinking water standard.

In Pennsylvania, waste treatment plant operators have to test land and water for a range of contaminants before they can distribute it to be used for local fertilizer or water.

The list of contaminants does not include radium, according to a 1999 report by Pennsylvania State University.

State officials did not respond to questions about whether these standards had been updated.