September 9, 2010 (Coal Geology) WASHINGTON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has requested for chemical data from nine natural gas service companies regarding hydraulic fracturing. The data requested by EPA will be used for scientific study to determine whether hydraulic fracturing has an impact on drinking water and the public health of Americans living in the vicinity of hydraulic fracturing wells. Hydraulic fracturing is a process in which large volumes of water, sand and chemicals are injected at high pressures to extract oil and natural gas from underground rock formations. The process is essential for the creation of fractures in formations that allows natural gas or oil to escape into the well and be recovered. ydraulic fracturing is a very common technique used in the industry in recent time. In March, that it will study the potential adverse impact that hydraulic fracturing may have on drinking water. Now the time has come.
“This scientifically rigorous study will help us understand the potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water – a concern that has been raised by Congress and the American people. By sharing information about the chemicals and methods they are using, these companies will help us make a thorough and efficient review of hydraulic fracturing and determine the best path forward,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “Natural gas is an important part of our nation’s energy future, and it’s critical that the extraction of this valuable natural resource does not come at the expense of safe water and healthy communities. EPA will do everything in its power, as it is obligated to do, to protect the health of the American people and will respond to demonstrated threats while the study is underway.”
The nine regional hydraulic fracturing service providers are
- BJ Services
- Complete Production Services
- Halliburton, Key Energy Services
- Patterson-UTI, PRC, Inc.
- Schlumberger
- Superior Well Services
- Weatherford
The above mentioned companes have 30 days to report to EPA with all data on a voluntary basis but they have only a week to respond if they are willing to proving the information to EPA. The data being sought by the agency is similar to information that has already been provided separately to Congress by the industry. Therefore, EPA expects the companies to cooperate with these voluntary requests. If not, EPA is prepared to use its authorities to require the information needed to carry out its study. EPA is currently working with state and local governments who play an important role in overseeing and regulating fracturing operations and are at the forefront of protecting local air and water quality from adverse impacts.
View the letter on the voluntary information request: http://www.epa.gov/epahome/hydraulicfracturing/
Related posts:
- EPA study regarding Chemicals Used in hydraulic fracturing receives enormous support
- EPA Announces Final Study Plan to Assess Hydraulic Fracturing
- EPA Submits Draft Hydraulic Fracturing Study Plan to Independent Scientists for Review
- EPA to monitor hydraulic fracturing process in Haynesville Shale and Marcellus Shale
- Hydraulic Fracturing: EPA Public Hearing on September 13th
