August 27, 2009 06:39 AM UTC

Bearing down on the "smoking gun"

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• by: Duke Cox

(No Frackin’ Way!  A diary by Duke… – promoted by ClubTwitty)

As the debate surrounding the “fracking” process continues to heat up, this story adds a new dimension to the discussion. Obamas’ EPA is finally doing what Bushes’ EPA never would. The following story could be a nightmare for Halliburton and a long awaited vindication for environmentalists and water users throughout the Rockies and beyond.  

EPA: Chemicals Found in Wyo. Drinking Water Might Be From Fracking

by Abrahm Lustgarten, ProPublica – August 25, 2009 1:36 pm EDT

Federal environment officials investigating drinking water contamination [1] near the ranching town of Pavillion , Wyo. , have found that at least three water wells contain a chemical used in the natural gas drilling process of hydraulic fracturing. Scientists also found traces of other contaminants, including oil, gas or metals, in 11 of 39 wells tested there since March.

The study, which is being conducted under the Environmental Protection Agency’s Superfund program, is the first time the EPA has undertaken its own water analysis in response to complaints of contamination in drilling areas, and it could be pivotal in the national debate [2] over the role of natural gas in America ‘s energy policy.

Along with the EPA, state and local health departments all over the country are starting to test the industries claim that it is “impossible” for fracking to pollute drinking water. Americans deserve to know the truth about the toxic chemicals the O&G industry is pumping into the ground. More of the story at the link:

http://www.propublica.org/feat…