Health Impact Assessment of Shale Gas Extraction Workshop Summary (2014) / Chapter Skim
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2 Opening Session
2 Opening Session
Pages 5-16
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) programs that support the assessment of community concerns and that provide monitoring of potential adverse health impacts are briefly described.
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The workshop, he stated, brings together many eminent scientists, physicians, public health experts, and representatives from government agencies at federal and state levels, from nongovernment organizations, from the business sector, and from interest groups representing the interests of the citizens to exchange ideas and to inform on a very challenging problem -- hydraulic fracturing as a means of extraction of natural gas. It is a challenging question that has many dimensions to be illuminated in order to understand more clearly what is at stake and what can be done.
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When considered in a timely matter, health decisions do not have to be at odds with economic growth, but can serve as a partner in ensuring an energy future. During the planning of the workshop the planning committee recognized that the discussion on shale gas extraction and energy production in general is part of a much larger and more complex picture of a major societal transformation of how we generate and use energy for the power grid and for transportation.
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Dr. Portier stated that most notable among these concerns are: the potential for chemical contamination of drinking water wells from hydraulic fracturing fluids, the mobilization of naturally occurring metals and salts, the potential for emission of volatile organics into the air, the potential for explosive hazards from buildup of methane in drinking water wells, increased traffic leading to reductions in road safety, the potential for stress to the medical and emergency response systems and infrastructure in communities, and changes in the overall quality of life that could adversely affect human health.
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However, public health officials are also committed to ensuring that economic development progresses responsibly and in a way that addresses the health and safety concerns of Americans. Thus, the steps taken now to identify health threats can be used to improve shale gas extraction techniques, allowing all to continue to advance the economic and security goals of this nation while protecting health and preventing disease.
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HIA is a management tool to assess complex societal decisions that may have health implications and options for managing the health effects. It is not meant to just identify risks, and its purpose is not to determine if a proposal or policy is a good idea or not.
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HIAs in the United States HIAs are occurring across the United States and a few are being developed to address energy and natural resource development decisions (Health Impact Project, 2011) : biomass (California, Massachusetts, Oregon, Virginia)
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Assessments that look at air and water quality can often be similar to risk assessments, but HIA goes further by finding ways to address local concerns and data gaps. When assessing noise, for example, HIA offers mitigation measures such as sound walls, housing modifications, changes in truck routes, and hours of operations.
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Cities and states may find opportunities to improve health by leveraging revenues coming into the community to plan for the costs related to increased education, water and sanitation, public safety, clinics and hospitals, and emergency medical services. The North Slope of Alaska community provides a good example of planning for revenue capture to fund community services in a rural area.
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Wernham identified a number of issues and challenges associated with HIA of unconventional shale gas operations. He noted that there is a need to engage polarized stakeholders by supporting productive conversation and building common ground among industry; community groups; local, state, and federal governments; and others.
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2010. Good practice guidance on health impact assessment.
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2011. Improving health in the United States: The role of health impact assessment.
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