Hinchey bill would target "frac'ing" (hydrofracturing in natural gas drilling)

[Muttocracy]

http://www.theithacajournal.com/article/20081120/NEWS01/81120019

Hinchey bill would target ‘frac’ing’

November 20, 2008

The controversial practice of injecting undisclosed chemicals into natural gas wells to stimulate production would get federal oversight under legislation proposed by U.S. Rep. Maurice Hinchey.

The process, called frac’ing, is now exempt from the federal Safe Drinking Water Act.

Hinchey said Wednesday he expects the chances are good the bill, H.R. 7231, will pass with the new administration and Congress next year. It would apply rules in the federal Safe Drinking Water Act to frac’íng — short for hydro-fracturing — including disclosure of chemicals used in the process.

“Ultimately, it is up to the EPA and state agencies to make sure that is done,” said Hinchey, D-Hurley.

The legislation would establish a “regulatory floor” across all states for frac’ing, said Jeff Lieberson, a spokesman for Hinchey.

The process uses chemical additives mixed with water to fracture bedrock and release gas. It’s regulated by the state Department of Environmental Conservation, although rules may be updated after the agency finishes a comprehensive environmental review of the industry’s environmental impact. The review is a response to interest in developing the Marcellus Shale, a gas-rich formation under the Southern Tier and the Appalachian basin.

[123infinity]

1. Well, it's been done for over 50 years. I have never heard of it causing

any problems with drinking water...but I obviously haven't overseen every instance of it.

[Muttocracy]

2. in the Marcellus Shale it involves millions of gallons of wastewater per well

which is a lot higher than in earlier natural gas drilling. New York State is scrambling to update their regulations. It's hard to know what's going to happen, and it's hard to get objective information, but I have seen presentations with evidence of problems in Pennsylvania (not common, but serious).

[NeoGreen]

3. Unknown chemicals?

Can't workers ask for a material safety data sheet (MSDS)?

[Muttocracy]

4. Manufacturer say they're proprietary (like the Coca-Cola formula)

they will say compounds are "lubricants" or "surfactants". Last I heard some of the companies are saying they'll show the MSDS to NYS DEC but not release it publicly. I don't know if that means you can get it through a FOIA request, or if eventually it will become part of the permitting process in this state.

I need to track down the info about the 2005 Energy Policy Act or whatever it was called, where the Safe Drinking Water exemptions came in.