Fracking Linked to Water Contamination, Health Problems In Several States

Thursday, August 19th, 2010

Gas drilling via a process called hydraulic fracturing has been the
subject of controversy across the nation. Critics of hydraulic
fracturing, also called fracking, claim the chemicals used in the
process, coupled with a lack of regulation, are endangering both the
environment and the health of people who live near such drilling
operations. Indeed, water contamination, air quality problems, and an
increase in health ailments have been reported in several communities
where fracking operations are prevalent.

Hydraulic fracturing is now used in about 90 percent of US gas and oil
wells. The process involves injecting water, sand, and a cocktail of
chemicals at high pressure into rock formations thousands of feet
below the surface. Because the federal Energy Policy Act of 2005
exempted hydraulic fracturing from regulation under the Safe Drinking
Water Act, shale gas drillers don’t have to disclose what chemicals
they use. According to a report issued by the Environmental Working
Group, fracking has already been linked to drinking water
contamination and property damage in Colorado, Ohio, Pennsylvania and
Wyoming...continued...