INDReporter

Feds link fracking to water contamination

by Walter Pierce

"The contaminants had most likely seeped up from gas wells and contained at least 10 compounds known to be used in frack fluids."

For the first time, federal scientists have concluded in a new report that in at least one instance the controversial method of extracting natural gas from the ground can be linked to contaminated drinking water, according to a report by Pro Publica.

The case stems from a ground water contamination episode in Wyoming in which researchers say contamination near the town Pavillion was likely the result of fracking, or hydraulic fracturing - a method in which chemical-laden water is pumped at high pressure to fracture rock deep underground, thereby releasing trapped gas - due to the presence of fracking chemicals found in the water. The researchers say in a 121-page draft report the contaminants "had most likely seeped up from gas wells and contained at least 10 compounds known to be used in frack fluids," Pro Publica reports.

Read more here.