$1 Million to Study Cumulative Impact of Water Withdrawals from "Fracking"

July 26, 2010 | Clean Water, Most Endangered Rivers, Protecting Rivers

Jessie Thomas-Blate
Coordinator, Most Endangered Rivers

Our hard working Congressmen are at it again!  Last week, Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY), Congressman Rush Holt (D-NJ) and Congressman Joe Sestak (D-PA) announced that the House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies approved $1 million for the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to conduct a cumulative impact study on water withdrawals from hydraulic fracturing of Marcellus Shale natural gas wells in the Delaware River Basin.  These Representatives also co-sponsored the FRAC Act, which would require disclosure of chemicals used in fracking, and repeal industry exemptions from the Safe Drinking Water Act.

This study is welcome news, as this type of investigation would help scientifically identify the impacts of various water withdrawals for hydraulic fracturing on the Upper Delaware River, our #1 on the list of America’s Most Endangered Rivers this year.  It is critical that we examine the development of the Marcellus Shale in a cumulative way, in order to account for the full volume of impacts, which may not be apparent when looking at projects on an individual basis. 

Over 15 million people, including New York City and Philadelphia residents, depend on the water resources of the Delaware River Basin. While property owners and local businesses could benefit economically from drilling activities in the Basin, the study is necessary to ensure that these individuals, as well as other stakeholders throughout the Basin, are not adversely impacted by any Marcellus Shale natural gas development, and that the region's water resources are fully protected. 

You might recall a previous blog post where we highlighted the importance of a proposed study by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to investigate the environmental risks of hydraulic fracturing.  This new study would be complimentary to the efforts of EPA, but focus more narrowly on the Delaware River Basin.  Ultimately, the EPA study will not be able to cover all regions and aspects of shale gas development.  Therefore, a separate study specifically focused on the Delaware River will ensure close examination of this widely used drinking water source.

The appropriation for this study will have to go through the remainder of the appropriations process before it is finalized.  We will be crossing our fingers that it receives full funding! While we wait, tell your representative to support the FRAC Act!

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