CONTENT : CHAPTER 1 : Introduction 5 1.1 Shale gas extraction 5 1.2 Potential environmental problems 5 1.3 Comparative emissions 6 1.4 Impact on overall emissions 6 1.5 Water use 7 1.6 Water contamination 7 1.7 Air pollution 8 1.8 Earthquakes 9 1.11 Shale gas boom : 9 1.10 Shale gas for energy security: 10 1.12 Shale gas is unconventional, unnecessary and unwanted is a debatable issue 12 Chapter 2: Methodology 13 2.1.Aim : 13 2.2. Objectives 13 Chapter 3 : Process functioning and its E.H.S impacts 14 3.1. Process 14 3.2Environmental impacts of Shale Gas : 23 3.3. Health : 29 3.4.Safety 35 CHAPTER 4: Policy Implications , Licencing and clearances 40 4.1 Policy implication 40 4.2 Licencing and Clearances 45 Chapter 5: Cambay basin as a study area 49 5.1 Cambay basin :: Introduction and Geologic Setting 49 5.2 Reservoir Properties (Prospective Area) 50 5.3 Resource Assessment 50 5.4 Recent Activity 50 5.5 Challenges for the region in shale gas exploration 50 5.6 Major environmental Impacts on Cambay Basin 51 Chapter 6 : Impact assessment 53 6.1 Identification of impacts 57 6.2 Assessment of Impacts 57 6.2.2. Waste water disposal : 59 6.2.4. Contamination of Aquifers 59 6.2.5. Human induced Earthquakes 61 Chapter 7 : Action plan for the impacts of study area : Cambay basin 64 7.1. Supply chain and contractor management 68 7.2. Fines, penalties & litigations 68 7.3. Responsible Operating Procedures & Risk Management 68 7.4 . Well integrity 69 7.5. Toxic chemicals 70 7.6. Water quality 70 7.7. Waste water management 71 7.8. Solid waste and sludge residuals 72 7.9. Air emissions, including fugitive methane 72 7.11. Seismicity 74 7.12. Worker exposure to silica 74 7.14. Biodiversity 74 7.15 Some other mitigation suggestions for companies in shale gas exploration business 75 Bibliography 81