Representatives of industry and government agencies often state that there has not been one documented case of hydraulic fracturing contaminating a private water supply well. However, an EPA report from 1987 links hydraulic fracturing with a contaminated water supply in Jackson County, West Virginia. Those opposed to hydraulic fracturing hope to get a lot of mileage out of that report. More in the New York Times.
A New York Times article explores concerns about radiation levels in wastewater from Marcellus Shale drilling sites and how that water is being processed before discharge into the environment.
“The State of the Susquehanna” is a report prepared for the Susquehanna River Basin Commission. It will be updated every few years to track issues that include: water use, water supply, mine drainage impact, nutrient levels, aquatic life, drilling impact, sediments and more.
“Long recognized as the industry leader in advancing the science and engineering of the production enhancement technology known as hydraulic fracturing, Halliburton today announced the introduction of a first-of-its-kind fracture fluid system comprised of materials sourced entirely from the food industry.” Quoted from the Halliburton press release.
A company working in the Barnett Shale play has a portable unit that recycles hydraulic fracturing fluid. The unit distills the fracturing fluid – which recovers clean water for reuse and concentrates dissolved materials for disposal. More on the Star-Telegram.com website.
On September 15, 2010 new rules that require oil and gas companies to disclose the chemistry of their hydraulic fracturing fluids went into effect. The Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission reports that companies are providing the information as new wells are stimulated. More at Trib.com.
The New York Senate passed a bill that will further delay the approval of permits for drilling the Marcellus Shale. The state assembly and the governor must approve before it would go into effect. More at Reuters.
Pennsylvania will have new regulations to protect aquifers during oil and gas drilling. These call for improved well casings cemented in place to prevent fluids from escaping from the well. More at the Business Week website.
