Fracking chemicals and FracFocus
Public sources of information about the hydraulic fracturing industry are patchy. Before 2011, one glaring deficit was the lack of detailed information about the chemicals used in the fracking process.
In 2011, FracFocus.org went online with disclosures of chemicals used in the hydraulic fracturing process. Since that year, the site has published files that list the chemicals used in individual fracking events. Not long after, many states began requiring fracking companies to use FracFocus reporting for fracking operations in those states. Because of that, FracFocus maintains probably the largest collection of data about the use of fracking chemicals available to the public.
Unfortunately, the data as provided by FracFocus can be difficult to use and is rife with errors, omissions and ambiguities. Even though FracFocus began supplying the entire collection in a bulk download in 2015, the raw data is poorly organized and is in several different formats.
Making the data more accessible
Open-FF is a project that transforms the FracFocus data into an easier-to-use resource available to anyone. Our aim is to help researchers, regulators, interested community members and activists find what they need about fracking chemicals. The project is open-source and data is regularly updated. Since 2023, The FracTracker Alliance has sponsored work on Open-FF.
FracFocus contains a wealth of information. Hopefully you will be inspired to look more deeply.
About the author
Gary Allison, the founder of Open-FF, has worked on large data sets for years. He received his PhD in Zoology (emphasis in Marine Ecology) from Oregon State University in 1997. He is broadly interested in analyzing marginally public data sets to make them more accessible. He is currently supporting efforts to improve transparency of fracking chemical disclosures.
Disclaimer Regarding Data Accuracy
This website provides data and information sourced from various third-party organizations and external entities. While we strive to present this information in a clear and accessible manner, Open-FF does not create, operate, control, or endorse the content or accuracy of data provided by these external sources.
We make no warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, reliability, or usefulness of any data obtained from external organizations. Data users are cautioned to consider the provisional nature of such data and its potential limitations before relying on it for any purpose.
Open-FFÂ assumes no legal liability or responsibility for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in the data provided by any sources external or generated by this project, nor for any damages, losses, or costs incurred as a result of using or relying upon such data. The use of this data is at your own sole risk.
For questions regarding the accuracy or content of specific external data, please contact the original source organization directly.