Abstract
In the paper the main threats to the environment arising from works related to the exploration of gas from unconventional sources have been discussed. The influence of exploration works on the atmosphere (the emission of gases to the atmosphere as a result of fuel combustion, the emission of noise by drilling equipment) has been explained. Threats to the hydrological balance associated with the intake of water for performing the process of fracturing have been discussed. Legal regulations connected with waste management, water resource management and protected areas (Nature 2000) have been presented.
Highlights
The exploration for shale gas in Poland has been lasting for seven years
The key factor limiting the level of noise pollution is the distance between the location of workshop and residential areas
Thanks to the technical development it is possible to limit the adverse influence of oil industry on the natural environment
Summary
The exploration for shale gas in Poland has been lasting for seven years now. The locations of Polish gas fields range from the middle-east coast of the Baltic sea through the central part of Poland to the Lubelskie region (the Lublin basin). Four boreholes were drilled in the south-west part of Poland (in the Silesian Lowland and the Opole region) [1]. All stages of works connected with the exploration and extraction of hydrocarbons from unconventional sources affect the natural environment. The most important are the degree of urbanization of the area, sensitivity of individual elements of the environment to pollution, type of drilling equipment, depth of boreholes, sort of drilled rocks, and type and scope of works stimulating the inflow of hydrocarbons to the hole.
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