Reading Fracking Data Against the Grain

I managed the FracFocus project within the Wylie Environmental Data Justice Lab (WEDJ) at Northeastern University from 2021-2023.

We use FracFocus, a disclosure database for fracking activity that lists the chemicals used in fracking operations from 2011-present. It is rife with errors, absences, and claims to proprietary information, yet remains an important source of information on chemical constituents over time within a largely data-poor landscape.

Therefore, we use Open-FF, an open-source, public service project to transform FracFocus’ disclosure data into a usable resource. Open-FF uses  open-source coding stored in Code Ocean to make the data more user-friendly and transparent; resolve common errors within FracFocus; and calculate mass when sufficient information is disclosed.

Publications

“Increases in Trade Secret Claims in Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids and their Potential Implications for Environmental Health and Water Quality.” Vivian Underhill, Gary Allison, Holden Huntzinger, Cole Mason, Abigail Noreck, Emi Suyama, Lourdes Vera, and Sara Wylie 2024. Journal of Environmental Management 351: 119611.

“Outcomes of the Halliburton Loophole: Chemicals Regulated by the Safe Drinking Water Act in US Fracking Disclosures, 2014-2021.” Vivian Underhill, Angelica Fiuza, Gary Allison, Grace Poudrier, Sarah Lerman-Sinkoff, Lourdes Vera, Sara Wylie 2023. Environmental Pollution 322: 120552.

“50 years after the Clean Water Act, the chemicals it regulates are still used in fracking. What will its next 50 years look like?” Vivian Underhill, Lourdes Vera, Eric Nost, Kelly Wilkins, Madison Sonnenday, Sara Wylie 2023. Environmental Data and Governance Initiative public report.

In the Press

Outcomes of the Halliburton Loophole in The Conversation
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