The 2015 George H. and Faye C. Sparks Forum on Ethics and Engineering features Sidney J. Green speaking on "Hydraulic Fracturing: How Engineers Should Shape the Public Debate about Risk," with opportunity for discussion.

Abstract:

The key to understanding hydraulic fracturing, the “shale boom” and the environmental issues that have been raised is to focus in detail on the engineering involved in the actual process of hydraulic fracturing and on the shale rock itself. Engineers must play a strong role in public debate over hydraulic fracturing, as it is engineers who apply science to enhance the public good and address objections and concerns. Engineers must assess the risks associated with hydraulic fracturing in a manner that can be understood by all. Sound understanding of engineering is required to objectively discuss and address the uneven rewards and the uneven sacrifice that occur.                                                                                             

Featured Speaker:

Sidney Green is Research Professor at the University of Utah in Mechanical Engineering and is retired Senior Staff Member of Schlumberger and founder and former President of TerraTek in Salt Lake City, Utah.  He has BS and MS degrees in Mechanical Engineering and the degree of Engineer in Engineering Mechanics from Stanford University.  He has worked in the area of geomechanics for over five decades, has published numerous papers, holds a number of patents, and has received many awards.  He is a leader in innovation and entrepreneurism and has received recognition in this area.  He has served on a number of Boards of Directors, and is currently President of Enhanced Production, Inc., a start-up engineering firm aimed to improve economics and reduce environmental impact of shale oil/gas recovery.  He is a Fellow of the American Rock Mechanics Association, has served on a number of National Research Council committees, and is a member of the US National Academy of Engineers.