Fluids Used in the Hydraulic Fracturing of Coalbed Methane Do Not Affect Underground Sources of Drinking Water

摘要

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published a final report summarizing a study to evaluate the potential threat to underground sources of drinking water (USDWs) from the injection of hydraulic fracturing fluids into coalbed methane (CBM) production wells. The EPA has concluded that the injection of hydraulic fracturing fluids into CBM wells poses little to no threat to USDWs and further study is not warranted at this time. In making this decision, the EPA collected and reviewed more than 200 peer-reviewed publications, other research, and public comments.