Hydraulic Fracturing, or "Fracking" as it is more commonly referred to is the process of extracting natural gas from beneath the planet's surface by pumping pressurized fluids deep underground, causing fractures and releasing gas. There have been many reports of health problems that may have been caused by this process as well as well documented videos showing people who live near these facilities turning on their kitchen sink, and being able to light the running water on fire because of how much gas is in it. There is even evidence that fracking may be the cause of some earthquakes.
Congress exempted fracturing fluid from regulations of the Safe Drinking Water Act in 2005, despite the fact that they contain carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, biocides, and other petroleum products.