Something in the Water?: Exploring Uncertainty and Knowledge Gaps around Drinking Water Contamination from Unconventional Oil and Gas Drilling Development

Keywords: UOGD, Water, Environmental knowledge, Knowledge gaps, Extraction, Energy Geography
Abstract Type: Paper Abstract

Abstract

Unconventional energy development (UOGD), a form of hydrocarbon extraction, has sparked
significant controversy about the relationship amongst energy development, water quality and
public health. A consensus about these linkages is yet to emerge, and may never, which further
exacerbates controversy. This research examines knowledge debates surrounding UOGD, water
quality and health in Washington County, PA, an epicenter of UOGD, utilizing key stakeholder
interviews with academic scientists, civil society organizations (CSOs) and a focus group with
local residents. Engaging literature on discourse, uncertainty and knowledge production, I find
that discourse around government agencies, including allegations of favoritism towards industry
and incapacity to complete its mandate, is key in shaping this knowledge system. The public
relies on information from CSOs, while CSOs focus on filling gaps in an eroding state regulatory
landscape. As part of this role, CSOs have increasingly focused on gathering data to address
public concerns, some of which have been deemed inadmissible for litigation and the practice of
academic science. Academics rely on state data due to water testing costs, but their research is
thus shaped by bureaucratic and economic considerations, which makes it difficult to probe
questions of most concern to communities, namely wastewater and radiation. To help build
consensus, I suggest developing research models that stress scientific-community collaboration
and foster communication between these groups and state agencies.