Town Trapped Between EPA and Mining Company

EPA finds dangerous chemicals in drinking water

The EPA reports that they have found dangerous chemicals in the groundwater in Pavillion, Wyoming that are "consistent" with migration from areas of gas production when performed by fracking a claim that is being heavily disputed by the natural gas industry and others.

The EPA stated that, "Natural gas plays a key role in our nation's clean energy future". Nevertheless, they are undertaking a national study on the potential impacts of hydraulic fracking operations. In the mean time, the EPA has advised affected residents to take precautionary steps, including using alternate sources of water for drinking and cooking, and ventilation when showering.

Statement by the Wyoming Petroleum Association
PETROLEUM ASSOCIATION OF WYOMING STATES SERIOUS CONCERNS WITH EPA'S UNSUBSTANTIATED AND RECKLESS CLAIMS

Casper, Wyo. (December 8, 2011) -- The Petroleum Association of Wyoming (PAW), along with numerous other agencies and associations, has serious concerns with the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) report released earlier today.

"The draft report coming out of the EPA today is reckless," said Bruce Hinchey, president of the Petroleum Association of Wyoming. "Let me be clear, the EPA's findings indicate that there is no connection between oil and natural gas operations and impacts to domestic water wells. Unsubstantiated statements coming from the EPA today stretch the data and cause unwarranted alarm and concern about a proven technology that allows our industry to safely extract oil and natural gas. The EPA's announcement is irresponsible and leads us to call into question its motives.

Read the Petroleum Association of Wyoming's full release here (http://www.pawyo.org/PAW_News%20Release_12082011.pdf)

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• fracking
• pavillion
• wyoming
• ground
• water
• groundwater
• natural
• gas
• chemicals
• health
• epa
• lisa
• jackson
• mining