The National Ground Water Association is holding a one-day forum, titled "Hydraulic Fracturing: Scientific and Technical Approaches to Protect Groundwater," June 27, 2012, in Columbus, Ohio.

Some believe the promise of greater energy independence, job growth and affordable energy supplies locked away in the Marcellus Shale, Utica Shale and Eagle Ford Shale formations overshadow other concerns. Others contend the potential, or perceived potential, for environmental or public health damage is too great a risk to take. Misunderstanding and miscommunication further cloud the discussion.

This forum will bring together experts to examine and discuss scientific and technical issues regarding hydraulic fracturing, including ground water protection and the potential for impacts to drinking water supplies.

Speakers and presenters include staff from the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Ohio Department of Natural Resources' Division of Mineral Resources Management, North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Kentucky Division of Fossil Energy Development, CH2M Hill, and AECOM, among others. Presentations include:

• Hydrogeology of the Appalachian Basin Shale Plays
  
• What Every Groundwater Professional Needs to Know About Hydraulic Fracturing
  
• Hydraulic Fracturing Studies
  
• Groundwater Baseline Testing Prior to New Shale Development Activities
  
• Groundwater Quality in the Marcellus Shale Play of Pennsylvania from Extensive Predrill Sampling
  
• Panel on Hydraulic Fracturing: State Perspectives
  
• Casing Integrity and Cementing: Why They Matter
  
• How Water Quality Monitoring near Hydraulic Fracturing Sites Improves Operational Performance
  
• Microseismic Imaging and Geomechanical Modeling for Fluid Injections and Hydraulic Fracturing
  
• Hydraulic Fracturing Wastewater Management
  
• The Use of Absorbent Glass to Recycle Produced Water and Avoid Class II Injection.

For more information, visit http://www.NGWA.org/forum.