Thursday, September 27, 2012

New Wyo. tests show less benzene in fracking zone

Both sides of the debate over whether hydraulic fracturing has contaminated groundwater in Wyoming say they need more time to analyze the results of testing done by the U.S. Geological Survey before they can comment. The USGS tested 1 of 2 wells dug by the EPA, and found low levels of the carcinogen benzene much as the EPA did. It didn't test a second well in which the EPA said benzene was found at 50 times the recommended limit. USGS said it couldn't get enough water for a reliable sample in that well. EPA spokeswoman Alisha Johnson says the results released Wednesday generally are "consistent with ground water monitoring data previously released." Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead also said the state would need more time to review the data gathered in collaboration with the USGS, Wyoming, the EPA and two American Indian tribes. The USGS released tables with the amounts of dozens of chemicals without offering any analysis.

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