Source : EPA.gov

As hydraulic fracturing expands across the U.S. to recover gas reserves in hard to reach rock formations, there is a growing concern about the health and environmental impacts of this practice. EPA is undertaking a scientific study at the request of Congress to investigate the impacts that hydraulic fracturing may have on drinking water. EPA will use a transparent, peer-reviewed process and independent sources of information. The results of the study will be announced in 2012 and will be used to inform the public of identified risks and to contribute to evaluating the need for legislative or regulatory reforms.

As part of the study’s information gathering process, EPA has issued voluntary requests for information to help the Agency examine the potential impacts that hydraulic fracturing may have on drinking water. This request will help both provide data where there is a lack of adequate information and contribute to resolving any scientific uncertainties surrounding hydraulic fracturing. The information requested in the voluntary letters includes the chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing fluid, data on the impacts of the chemicals on human health and the environment, and substances released from natural gas wells into the environment after hydraulic fracturing.

Go here to read the press release.

For information on hydraulic fracturing: http://www.epa.gov/hydraulicfracturing

Abrahm Lustgarten of ProPublica takes FLYP readers on a journey through Sublette County, Wyo. to take a tour of the wells and hear the voices of residents and experts on the issue.

See the rest of this entry »

This is a very informative page from Gasland’s site.

At the top, you will find a creative and interactive Flash presentation that adds some visual clarity to the situation.

Gasland : Hydraulic Fracturing FAQs

Below, you will find simple, straightforward answers to the following questions:

• How does hydraulic fracturing work?
• What is horizontal hydraulic fracturing?
• What is the Halliburton Loophole?
• What is the Safe Drinking Water Act?
• What is the FRAC Act?
• How deep do natural gas wells go?
• How much water is used during the fracking process?
• What fluids are used in the fracking process?
• In what form does the natural gas come out of the well?
• What is done with the wastewater?
• What is a well’s potential to cause air pollution?

Read the answers >>

Source : AlterNet

New York’s Senate overwhelmingly approved a measure today at 12:17 a.m. that would postpone gas drilling in its share of the Marcellus Shale, a methane-rich rock formation that also extends under parts of West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania (for more on the topic, check out AlterNet’s coverage here). Drilling has been halted until May 15, 2011.

The 48-9 decision is a result of increased attention on hydraulic fracturing, a controversial gas extraction process that involves pulverizing underground rock formations with pressurized water, sand and chemicals. Fracking, as it’s also called, has been linked to a potpourri of environmental problems across the United States — from air pollution to methane leakage to cattle deaths.

Read more >>

Source : WENY-TV

ALBANY – The New York State Senate approved a bill to delay hydraulic fracturing for natural gas.

Lawmakers voted 48 to 9 for a moratorium on gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale until May 15, 2011. During that time, the state would fully review the potential side effects of hydraulic fracturing on health, the environment and the economy.

The Senate cites the impact of the natural gas boom in Pennsylvania as an example. There have been several accidents related to drilling in Pennsylvania, ranging from polluted drinking wells and waterways, explosions and fatalities at drilling sites.

The moratorium bill now heads to the Assembly.

Source : EPA.gov

Location: Anderson Performing Arts Center at Binghamton University in Binghamton, N.Y.

Date & Time: August 12, 2010 @ 8am; 1pm; 6pm

Description: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is hosting four public information meetings on the proposed study of the relationship between hydraulic fracturing and its potential impacts on drinking water. Hydraulic fracturing is a process that drills vertical and horizontal cracks underground that help withdraw gas or oil from coalbeds, shale and other geological formations. By pumping fracturing fluids (water and chemical additives) and sands into rock formations, fractures are created in the formation from which natural gas or oil can be more easily extracted. The meetings will provide public information about the proposed study scope and design. EPA will solicit public comments on the draft study plan. 3 sessions – 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Source : WCC

This site is maintained by a law firm and offers a chronicle of cases of disaster involving hydro-fracturing; here is a page dedicated to incidents in West Virginia.  They are also offering free legal consultations to anyone suspicious of water contamination from shale gas drilling.  From their site:

About the Firm

For over 15 years, the law firm of Parker Waichman Alonso LLP has successfully represented clients against the industries whose actions have caused them physical injury or financial damage. We will use this experience to make sure shale gas drillers are held accountable if the chemicals they use pollute water supplies.

The firm of Parker Waichman Alonso LLP has been given an AV-Rating (the highest rating possible) from the respected legal guide Martindale-Hubble. Martindale-Hubble Ratings are the result of a peer review system that has evolved for over a century. Ratings speak to a firm’s professional and legal ability and ethics. The lawyers and attorneys at our firm are proud of this AV-Rating, and all are committed to providing clients with the highest level of service and expertise required to maintain such preeminent standing in the legal community.

Our firm is providing a free initial legal consultation to anyone who suspects that water where they live has been contaminated because of shale gas drilling. We urge you to contact our office to explore the legal remedies available to you. Fill out our online form or call 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636) to arrange for a free consultation today.