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