New Study Predicts Frack Fluids Can Migrate to Aquifers Within Years

A new study published in Ground Water two weeks ago has concluded that fracking chemicals injected into the ground could reach drinking water supplies much more rapidly than previously predicted, ProPublica reports.

Scientists and experts have hypothesized that the chemicals used in fracking, such as benzene and methanol, would remain safely underground, miles below water supplies. But the study, which used computer modeling, found that the chemicals could reach the surface in as little as a few years.

‘”Simply put, [the rock layers] are not impermeable,” said the study’s author, Tom Myers, an independent hydrogeologist.’

This study is the first peer-reviewed research of its kind and it was funded by organizations that oppose fracking in the Marcellus.

Obama creates working group on gas drilling

Barack Obama (Photo credit: jamesomalley)

President Barack Obama signed an executive order on Friday that will help coordinate federal oversight of natural gas production by establishing a high-level working group that will ensure all federal agencies overseeing drilling work together, AP reports.

White House energy adviser, Heather Zichal, will head the group, and members will come from almost a dozen agencies that supervise various aspects of drilling, including the Interior, Transportation and Energy departments, Environmental Protection Agency and White House Council on Environmental Quality.

The order has not gone uncriticized; certain parties claim this is another example of the double standard Obama has on drilling. While he says he supports it, he is simultaneously cracking down on it.

Vermont Senate committee passes ban on fracking

Well folks, Vermont’s Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committee unanimously banned fracking in the state on April 12, 2012.

See press release here.

Middle America experiences a massive increase in earthquakes

Image via the Atlantic.

This just in from the Atlantic: “A new United States Geological Survey study has found that middle America between Alabama and Montana is experiencing an ‘unprecedented’ and ‘almost certainly manmade’ increase in earthquakes of 3.0 magnitude or greater.”

This dramatic increase in ’quakes coincides with increased oil and gas extraction in parts of the area. The Environmental Working Group has concluded that fracking has caused these earthquakes in one way or another. But, on the other hand, the USGS scientists aren’t ready to infer there is a connection between the two.

Frackers outbid farmers for water in Colorado drought

Colorado is facing a drought for the first time since 2002. And at the state’s largest auction for unallocated water this spring, fracking companies were top bidders on supplies.

“If you have a beneficial use for the water, then you can bid for that water,” Northern Water spokesman Brian Werner said. “We see the beneficial use of the water as a positive for the economy of the whole region. Fracking is one of those uses. Our uses of water have evolved over 150 years.”

[See full article here]

North Carolina environmental advisory group recommends fracking delay

According to the Herald-Sun, Durham’s Environmental Affairs Board presented a report on Wednesday that advises taking more time to understand the potential impacts of fracking before giving it the go-ahead. The report advocates postponing legalization of fracking in North Carolina until 2016, and putting a four-year moratorium on fracking in the case state legislation allows it before then.

“We need to make sure that what happens in Durham, is applicable for Durham, and maybe there should be places that never allow wells,” Deborah Luecken, chair of the Durham Environmental Affairs Board, said.

EPA says water OK at 20 more wells in Dimock, Pa.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

According to AP, the Environmental Protection Agency issued a report Friday that said testing at 20 more water wells in Dimock, Pa. has shown no dangerous levels of contamination.

Methane was present in three of the newly tested wells, and one showed levels of barium well above the EPA’s maximum level. An EPA spokesman said a new treatment system installed in the well is removing the metal and fixing the problem.

Best Watchdog Journalism On Fracking

Texas Barnett Shale gas drilling rig near Alvarado, Texas (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In preparation for a live discussion on fracking Monday, April 9, ProPublica put together a list of some of the best investigative pieces about natural gas extraction. These 9 articles, some published as early as 2004, give you an idea of how the fracking battle has come into play over the years. Check out these stories and join the conversation today!

Vermont considers ban on fracking

The Vermont House recently put a three-year moratorium on fracking in the state, but now the chair of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy, D-Ginny Lyons, says she wants to switch the bill to an all-out ban.

“If you put a moratorium in place, people are just waiting for the gates to open, and we don’t want that to happen,” she said.

Vermont would be the first state in the nation to implement such a practice. The bill will likely be voted on next week.

[See article here.]

EPA pulls order forcing driller to provide water

According to the Seattle Times, the Environmental Protection Agency announced Friday that it will no longer require gas drillers it had accused of contaminating private drinking water wells to provide water to two North Texas families.

The Texas Railroad Commission, which oversees oil and gas drilling, insists drilling did not cause the water contamination and that local aquifers have always been laced with naturally occurring methane.

Range Resources spokesman Matt Pitzarella said, “It’s important for people to know that their environment, health and safety is protected and hopefully this provides them with that comfort.”