Well Illustration (IMAGE) Princeton University Caption As illustrated above, each gas well can act as a source of air, water, noise and light pollution that -- individually and collectively -- can interfere with wild animal health, habitats and reproduction. Of particular concern is the fluid and wastewater associated with hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking," a technique that releases natural gas from shale by breaking the rock up with a high-pressure blend of water, sand and other chemicals. Credit Image courtesy of <i>Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment</i> Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.