The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted its draft study plan on
hydraulic fracturing for review to the agency’s Science Advisory Board (SAB), a
group of independent scientists.
Natural
gas plays a key role in our nation’s clean energy future, and hydraulic
fracturing is one way of accessing that vital resource. EPA scientists, under
this administration and at the direction of Congress, are undertaking a study
of this practice to better understand any potential impacts it may have,
including on ground water. EPA announced its intention to conduct the study in
March 2010 and use the best available science, independent sources of
information, a transparent, peer-reviewed process and with consultation from
others. Since then, EPA has held a series of public meetings across the country
with thousands attending, and the agency has developed a draft plan for moving
forward with the study.
The scope of the proposed research includes the full lifespan of water in
hydraulic fracturing, from acquisition of the water, through the mixing of
chemicals and actual fracturing, to the post-fracturing stage, including the
management of flowback and produced or used water, and its ultimate treatment
and disposal.
The SAB plans to review the draft plan Mar. 7-8. Consistent with the operating
procedures of the SAB, stakeholders and the public will have an opportunity to
provide comments to the SAB during its review. The agency will revise the study
plan in response to the SAB’s comments, and promptly begin the study. Initial
research results and study findings are expected to be made public by the end
of 2012, with the goal of an additional report following further research in
2014.
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 creates fractures in formations such
as shale rock, allowing natural gas or oil to escape into the well and be
recovered. Over the past few years, the use of hydraulic fracturing for gas
extraction has increased, and has expanded over a wider diversity of geographic
regions and geologic formations.
For a copy of the draft study plan and additional information, followthis
link.
