EPA begins investigation into hydraulic fracturing

The US Environmental Protection Agency is investigating the hydraulic fracturing techniques used by mining companies to determine the controversial practice's effect on human health and the environment.

The EPA has sent letters to nine companies known to employ the process, asking them to disclose the chemical composition of fluids used. The agency has also asked for information about the impacts of the chemicals on human health and the environment, along with data on standard operating procedures at hydraulic fracturing sites, and a list of sites where the companies have carried out the process.

Hydraulic fracturing is an increasingly popular way of accessing natural gas deposits in shale rock. Mining operations inject a mixture of water, sand and chemicals at high pressures to open up seams in the rock and recover natural gas.

Although the technique can be productive in accessing natural gas deposits underground, there have been concerns about the effect of the practice on local wells, which some have complained tend to be poisoned by methane as a side-effect of the fracturing technique. There are also some worries about groundwater contamination.

The EPA has targeted BJ Services, Complete Production Services, Halliburton, Key Energy Services, Patterson-UTI, RPC Inc., Schlumberger, Superior Well Services, and Weatherford with the letters. The inquiries are the first part in a longer process, announced in March that will involve more detailed analysis of selected sites based on feedback from the companies.

"Natural gas is a key part of our nation's energy future. My request is part of an effort to ensure that the innovative development of domestic sources of energy proceeds in a way that protects our environment and our health," said EPA administrator Lisa Jackson in a letter to the nine companies.
"EPA is requesting that you provide this information voluntarily; however, to the extent that EPA does not receive sufficient data in response to this letter, EPA will be exploring legal alternatives to compel submission of the needed information," she continued.