Fracking is the popular term for the process of hydraulic fracturing which has markedly increased the production of natural gas. Hydraulic fracturing involves drilling a well and injecting millions of gallons of water under high pressure to fracture the rock containing the natural gas. Hundreds of thousands of pounds of sand, which is typically 99% silica, are mixed with the water prior to injection. The silica is used as a “proppant” to hold the fracture open to allow the natural gas to flow. Chemicals are also added to the mixture prior to injection. These chemicals include scale inhibiters, friction reducers, gel- ling agents, biocides, solvents and acids to protect equipment, reduce pumping requirements and maintain integrity of the gas formation. The mixture pumped underground is 90% water, 9.5% sand and 0.5% chemicals. Concern in the press and on the internet has focused on air pollution, noise and dust from these large scale industrial operations that generate frequent truck deliveries in rural settings. Concern is also directed at the potential for contamination of ground or surface water by natural gas and the chemicals used in the fracking process either during pumping or from the holding ponds dug at the sites. During the fracking process, 30-60% of the water mixture injected in the wells returns to the surface. The chemicals used are classified as trade secrets which has heightened fear among nearby residents. Pictures 1 and 2 help to understand the magnitude of a fracking operation.