In "For Openers," editor Greg Ettling shares his thoughts on current events affecting the industry.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published a final report summarizing a study to evaluate the potential threat to underground sources of drinking water (USDWs) from the injection of hydraulic fracturing fluids into coalbed methane (CBM) production wells. As in its previous draft report in 2002, EPA has concluded that additional or further study is not warranted at this time. In making this decision, EPA reviewed more than 200 peer-reviewed publications, other research and public comments. The agency has concluded that the injection of hydraulic fracturing fluids into CBM wells poses minimal threat to USDWs.