Pennsylvania’s DEP Secretary Michael Krancer, whose wife and father contributed a combined $306,500 to Tom Corbett’s gubernatorial campaign, told the U.S. House Subcommittee on Water and the Environment last month that 99.5% of the mixture used in hydraulic fracturing is sand and water.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThe myth that ter\u00adri\u00adble chem\u00adi\u00adcals are get\u00adting into the ground\u00adwa\u00adter is com\u00adpletely myth. It is bogus.\u201d – PA DEP Secretary Michael Krancer, November 17th, 2011.<\/strong><\/p>\n
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Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released the results of a two-year investigation that proves that groundwater contamination from fracking is anything but bogus.<\/p>\n
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“EPA\u2019s analysis of samples taken from the Agency\u2019s deep monitoring wells in the aquifer indicates detection of synthetic chemicals, like glycols and alcohols consistent with gas production and hydraulic fracturing fluids, benzene concentrations well above Safe Drinking Water Act standards and high methane levels.” – EPA draft report “Investigation of Ground Water Contamination near Pavillion, Wyoming”, December 8, 2011.<\/strong><\/p>\n
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The full draft report is available for viewing and downloading at the EPA’s website<\/a>. A 45-day public comment period will begin on December 14th. The link to the public comment area and supplemental information about the investigation can be located here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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Read the New York Times’<\/em> coverage of the EPA’s announcement here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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