Shale gas development, like any other industrial undertaking, impacts the environment. This section focuses on drilling, land disturbance, noise, truck traffic and air emissions. The potential climate impact of methane emissions is covered in the SHIP section Climate Impact.

Certain best practices that energy companies can engage in have already been identified and accepted, to mitigate the impact of shale gas operations on communities, wildlife and ecologies. A comprehensive overview of measures to minimize the environmental impact of discrete steps and processes related to shale gas development is provided by the website on Reducing the Environmental Impact of Natural Gas Development, a review which focuses on the U.S. Fayetteville shale play in Arkansas.