EPA announced that it sent its draft study plan on the relationship between hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and drinking water to its Science Advisory Board (SAB) for review. Congress directed EPA to undertake the study, which is expected to begin as soon as possible after the SAB review. Preliminary findings will be released by the end of next year and the final report will be released in 2014.
The scope of the proposed study includes a full lifecycle analysis of the use of water in the fracking process – from water acquisition through the mixing of chemicals, the water injection stage, the management of flowback water from the well and finally to the treatment and disposal of any water used.
The proposed EPA study aims to answer the questions of whether hydraulic fracturing can impact water resources, and if so, under what conditions. EPA asked SAB to review the agency’s fundamental research questions and research approach, as well as the research outcomes – i.e., to identify key impacts of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water resources and provide relevant information on the toxicity and possible exposure pathways of chemicals associated with hydraulic fracturing. Additional information about the draft study plan and the SAB charge are online at www.epa.gov/hydraulicfracturing.
The SAB meeting will be March 7-8 in Alexandria, Virginia at the Westin Alexandria Hotel. The meeting is open to the public. Additional information about the public meeting is in theFebruary 8 FR.