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FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
March 18,
2010
EPA Initiates
Hydraulic Fracturing Study
Agency seeks input
from Science Advisory Board
WASHINGTON
– The
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it will conduct a
comprehensive research study to investigate the potential adverse impact that
hydraulic fracturing may have on water quality and public health. Natural gas
plays a key role in our nation’s clean energy future and the process known as
hydraulic fracturing is one way of accessing that vital resource. There are concerns that hydraulic
fracturing may impact ground water and surface water quality in ways that
threaten human health and the environment. To address
these concerns and strengthen our clean energy future and in response to
language inserted into the fiscal year 2010 Appropriations Act, EPA is
re-allocating $1.9 million for this comprehensive, peer-reviewed study for FY10
and requesting funding for FY11 in the president’s budget
proposal.
“Our
research will be designed to answer questions about the potential impact of
hydraulic fracturing on human health and the environment,” said Dr. Paul T.
Anastas, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Research and Development.
“The study will be conducted through a transparent, peer-reviewed process, with
significant stakeholder input.”
EPA is in the very
early stages of designing a hydraulic fracturing research program. The agency is
proposing the process begin with (1) defining research questions and identifying
data gaps; (2) conducting a robust process for stakeholder input and research
prioritization; (3) with this input, developing a detailed study design that
will undergo external peer-review, leading to (4) implementing the planned
research studies.
To support this
initial planning phase and guide the development of the study plan, the agency
is seeking suggestions
and comments from the EPA Science
Advisory Board (SAB)—an independent, external federal advisory committee. The agency has requested that the
Environmental Engineering Committee (EEC) of the SAB evaluate and provide advice
on EPA’s proposed approach. The agency will use this advice and extensive
stakeholder input to guide the design of the study.
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.
A federal register
notice was issued March 18, announcing a SAB meeting April 7-8.
More information on
hydraulic fracturing: http://www.epa.gov/ogwdw000/uic/wells_hydrofrac.html
More information on
the SAB and the supporting documents: http://www.epa.gov/sab
R074
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