EPA Seeks Information on ‘Fracking’ Chemicals
Charleston Gazette
9 September 2010
By Ken Ward Jr.
Here’s the latest from U.S. EPA about Marcellus shale drilling:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced that it
has issued voluntary information requests to nine natural gas service
companies regarding the process known as hydraulic fracturing. The data
requested is integral to a broad scientific study now underway by EPA,
which Congress in 2009 directed the agency to conduct to determine
whether hydraulic fracturing has an impact on drinking water and the
public health of Americans living in the vicinity of hydraulic
fracturing wells.
In making the requests of the nine leading national and regional
hydraulic fracturing service providers – BJ Services, Complete
Production Services, Halliburton, Key Energy Services, Patterson-UTI,
PRC, Inc., Schlumberger, Superior Well Services, and Weatherford – EPA
is seeking information on the chemical composition of fluids used in
the hydraulic fracturing process, data on the impacts of the chemicals
on human health and the environment, standard operating procedures at
their hydraulic fracturing sites and the locations of sites where
fracturing has been conducted. This information will be used as the
basis for gathering further detailed information on a representative
selection of sites.
“This scientifically rigorous study will help us understand the
potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water – a concern
that has been raised by Congress and the American people. By sharing
information about the chemicals and methods they are using, these
companies will help us make a thorough and efficient review of
hydraulic fracturing and determine the best path forward,” said EPA
Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “Natural gas is an important part of our
nation’s energy future, and it’s critical that the extraction of this
valuable natural resource does not come at the expense of safe water
and healthy communities. EPA will do everything in its power, as it is
obligated to do, to protect the health of the American people and will
respond to demonstrated threats while the study is underway.”
Hydraulic fracturing is a process in which large volumes of water, sand
and chemicals are injected at high pressures to extract oil and natural
gas from underground rock formations. The process creates fractures in
formations such as shale rock, allowing natural gas or oil to escape
into the well and be recovered. During the past few years, the use of
hydraulic fracturing has expanded across much of the country.
EPA announced in March that it will study the potential adverse impact
that hydraulic fracturing may have on drinking water. To solicit input
on the scope of the study, EPA is holding a series of public meetings
in major oil and gas production regions to hear from citizens,
independent experts and industry. The initial results of the study will
be announced in late 2012. EPA will identify additional information for
industry to provide – including information on fluid disposal practices
and geological features – that will help EPA carry out the study.
EPA has requested the information be provided on a voluntary basis
within 30 days, and has asked the companies to respond within seven
days to inform the agency whether they will provide all of the
information sought. The data being sought by the agency is similar to
information that has already been provided separately to Congress by
the industry. Therefore, EPA expects the companies to cooperate with
these voluntary requests. If not, EPA is prepared to use its
authorities to require the information needed to carry out its study.
EPA is currently working with state and local governments who play an
important role in overseeing and regulating fracturing operations and
are at the forefront of protecting local air and water quality from
adverse impacts.