Information Request For Hydraulic Fracturing Study

EPA has published a request for information in the Federal Register asking the public to submit data and scientific literature on the potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water resources. Congress has requested that EPA to conduct scientific research to examine the relationship between hydraulic fracturing and drinking water resources, in response to public concern.

The Agency is undertaking a study to understand the potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water resources, if any, and to identify the factors that may affect the severity and frequency of such impacts. The scope of the study includes the full hydraulic fracturing water lifecycle, from water acquisition, through the mixing of chemicals and injection of fracturing fluids, to the post-fracturing stage (including the management of flowback and produced water), to its ultimate treatment and disposal. The study will include a review of the published literature, analysis of existing data, scenario evaluation and modeling, laboratory studies, and case studies.

Interested persons are requested to submit scientific analyses, studies, and other pertinent scientific information. The agency will accept data literature until April 30, 2013.

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