Locations For EPA Hydraulic Fracturing Study Proposed

As part of the congressionally mandated hydraulic fracturing study. EPA has identified seven case studies it will use in the assessment of potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water resources. The sites identified were selected following input from stakeholders, including the public, local and state officials, industry, and environmental organizations. EPA will begin field work in some of the selected regions this summer.

The studies will take place in several regions across the country, and are broken into two study groups. Two of the seven sites were selected as prospective case studies where EPA will monitor key aspects of the hydraulic fracturing process throughout the lifecycle of a well.

These areas are located in:
Haynesville Shale - DeSoto Parish, LA
Marcellus Shale - Washington County, PA

Five retrospective case studies were selected and will examine areas where hydraulic fracturing has already occurred for any impact on drinking water resources. These are located in:

Bakken Shale - Kildeer, and Dunn Counties, ND
Barnett Shale - Wise and Denton Counties, TX
Marcellus Shale - Bradford and Susquehanna Counties, PA.
Marcellus Shale - Washington County, PA
Raton Basin - Las Animas County, CO

The information gathered from these case studies will include literature review, collection of data and information from states, industry and communities, laboratory work and computer modeling.

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