ENVIROBYTES, A SUMMARY OF ISSUES AND EVENTS FOR WEEKS ENDING
OCTOBER 21, 2011 TO NOVEMBER 4, 2011
EPA IS EVALUATING HYDRAULIC
FRACTURING’S POTENTIAL IMPACTS ON DRINKING WATER
On Nov. 3, EPA
announced a final research plan to scientifically evaluate hydraulic fracturing,
a technology used to extract natural gas. This plan will help determine
hydraulic fracturing’s impact on the nation’s drinking water and to safeguard
the environment and public health. The initial research results and study
findings will be released to the public in 2012, with the final reporting ready
in 2014.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
NOTE: CLEAR is working with the Friends of the Cheat, with offices in
Kingwood, to continue to clean up the Cheat Watershed. In this regard, we
are particularly concerned that around 40 permits for Marcellus drilling and
fracking that have already been issued in the watershed. Also, there is
concern that a Marcellus drilling wastes disposal site may be permitted and
developed near the confluence of the Big Sandy and Little Sandy, not far from
Bruceton Mills in the Cheat watershed. Leach drainage and runoff from well
pads and from disposal sites would bring heavy metals and toxic organic
compounds into the Cheat River and into Cheat Lake. Chlorides and bromides
could also become a problem. We are concerned for the wildlife (fish
and other creatures) as well as the recreational quality of Cheat Lake. We
also want to protect the water quality in the Monongahela River and the Ohio
River.
Duane Nichols