The EPA conducted its study, which resulted from a congressional request, over the course of several years and with support from oil and gas industry partners. The agency investigated the full water cycle of hydraulic fracturing, beginning with water acquisition and continuing to chemical mixing, fracturing fluid injection, and wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal. The study examined not only current drinking water resources, but also resources that may provide drinking water in the future. As noted by EPA science advisor Tom Burke, who also serves as the agency’s research and development deputy assistant administrator, the report is not intended to provide a definite ruling on the safety of fracking, but is instead an exploration of potential vulnerabilities and best practices in environmental protection.
On June 4, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released a draft report of its findings regarding the environmental impact of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. While the agency found that fracking operations have the potential to affect drinking water through both surface and subterranean activities, it found no evidence to suggest that fracking has impacted drinking water resources in a “widespread, systematic” manner. Rather, it noted that instances of water contamination were “small” compared to the number of active hydraulic fracturing wells across the country.
The EPA conducted its study, which resulted from a congressional request, over the course of several years and with support from oil and gas industry partners. The agency investigated the full water cycle of hydraulic fracturing, beginning with water acquisition and continuing to chemical mixing, fracturing fluid injection, and wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal. The study examined not only current drinking water resources, but also resources that may provide drinking water in the future. As noted by EPA science advisor Tom Burke, who also serves as the agency’s research and development deputy assistant administrator, the report is not intended to provide a definite ruling on the safety of fracking, but is instead an exploration of potential vulnerabilities and best practices in environmental protection.
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