Fracking no threat to water, epa says
WASHINGTON • Hydraulic fracturing has contaminated some drinking wells but the impact is not widespread, according to a landmark U.S. study of water pollution risks that has both foes and supporters of the drilling method declaring victory.
The draft analysis by the Environmental Protection Agency, released Thursday after three years of study, looked at possible ways fracking could contaminate drinking water. The EPA said these include spills of the fracking fluids, poor waste water disposal or migration of chemicals shot underground to break apart shale rock.
“We conclude there are above- and below-ground mechanisms by which hydraulic fracturing activities have the potential to impact drinking water resources,” the EPA said in the report. But, “we did not find evidence that these mechanisms have led to widespread, systemic impacts on drinking-water resources.”
The study was commissioned by Congress and represents the most comprehensive assessment of the safety
(No) widespread, systemic impacts on drinking water resources
of fracking, a technique that has led to a boom in domestic oil and gas production but also spawned persistent complaints about pollution.
The American Petroleum Institute said the study was a validation of the safety of fracking, in which water, sand and chemicals are shot underground to free trapped oil or gas. It said it showed existing oversight from state regulators is working.
“Hydraulic fracturing is being done safely under the strong environmental stewardship of state regulators and industry best practices,” said API’s Erik Milito.
Environmental groups pointed to sections of the study that confirmed some water contamination linked to fracking, and said that undercut the oft-repeated contention from industry groups that fracking had never led to water woes.
The study provides “solid science that fracking has contaminated drinking water across the country,” Amy Mall, a senior policy analyst for the Natural Resources Defense Council, said in an interview.
Another environmental group, Earthworks, said the study pointed to the need for regulation. “Now the Obama administration, Congress, and state governments must act on that information to protect our drinking water, and stop perpetuating the oil and gas industry’s myth that fracking is safe,” said Lauren Pagel.
The study included an analysis of industry-backed disclosures of the chemicals used in fracking, case studies of local communities where homeowners feared their water wells were contaminated and a review of well construction.