The best way to find the smoking gun is to follow the smoke to the tip of the barrel. A hydrologist makes that point after being hired by environmental groups to review the E-P-A’s investigation that suggests a connection between hydraulic fracturing and groundwater contamination near Pavillion. Tom Myers found the E-P-A’s science to be sound, but has several recommendations. One is to put a tracer in fracking fluids to show a clear connection, or no connection, to pollution.
One complication is how long it might take fracking fluids to move upward. Myers says that depends on geology, and there’s variability in the region. It’s even possible water contamination being discovered now could be connected to gas production decades ago.
Myers has talked with families affected by contaminated water supplies, and says their concerns should be taken more seriously by the state, the E-P-A and drilling companies.
He adds that many chemicals used in fracking are odorless and tasteless – so unless regular testing is taking place, no one would know they were being exposed.
One complication is how long it might take fracking fluids to move upward. Myers says that depends on geology, and there’s variability in the region. It’s even possible water contamination being discovered now could be connected to gas production decades ago.
Myers has talked with families affected by contaminated water supplies, and says their concerns should be taken more seriously by the state, the E-P-A and drilling companies.
He adds that many chemicals used in fracking are odorless and tasteless – so unless regular testing is taking place, no one would know they were being exposed.
Not all chemicals used for fracking are colorless and odorless. Diesel fuel is a favorite fracking fluid, and the EPA is about to make a ruling on how it can or cannot be used. Please, tell the EPA to BAN the use of DIESEL FUEL as a fracking fluid.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.change.org/petitions/epa-administrator-lisa-p-jackson-stop-facking-with-diesel-fuel?pe=d4e