US federal agency to study effect of natural-gas drilling on water supplies
19 Mar 2010
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today aid that it will spend $1.9 million to conduct a detailed research study to investigate the potential adverse effect on drinking water supplies due to hydraulic fracturing, a process used by oil and gas companies to convert shale rock into natural gas wells.
There are concerns that hydraulic fracturing may impact ground water and surface water quality in ways that threaten human health and the environment.
Hydraulic fracturing is a process that drills vertical and horizontal cracks underground that help withdraw gas, or oil, from coalbeds, shale and other geological formations.
While each site is unique, in general, the process involves vertical and horizontal drilling, taking water from the ground, injecting fracturing fluids and sands into the formation, and withdrawing gas and separating and managing the leftover waters.
The EPA said that in order to address these concerns and strengthen the country's clean energy future, it is re-allocating $1.9 million for this comprehensive, peer-reviewed study.
''Our research will be designed to answer questions about the potential impact of hydraulic fracturing on human health and the environment,'' said Dr. Paul Anastas, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Research and Development.
