In a new report that concludes hydraulic fracturing can taint drinking water in some instances, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency pinpoints steps in the fracking process in which better engineering, well construction and monitoring could help to prevent contamination.
“States and industry can now add the scientific understanding gained through this assessment to many other resources—including engineering capability and technology—to ensure that hydraulic fracturing is conducted in a safe and responsible manner,” wrote Thomas Burke, deputy assistant administrator in EPA’s Office of Research and Development, in a Dec. 13 blog post released with the report.