Hydraulic fracking, the process whereby water, sand and a mix of chemicals are used to extract oil and natural gas from shales and other low permeability deposits, continues to be a controversial topic.

A growing and vocal consortium of critics continue to express opposition to the process, which is becoming increas¬ingly dominant in North America’s end¬less search for domestic sources of hydrocarbons, over perceived environ¬mental and public health concerns.

These concerns have led to moratoriums in several jurisdictions as lawmakers and regulators study the issue and seek a workable balance that allows development to continue while safeguarding the environment and public health.