Friday, September 24, 2010

Wyo. fracking rules take effect with few problems

Bloomberg Business Week
By MEAD GRUVER

"Energy companies seem eager to comply with new state rules requiring them to disclose the chemicals they use in a controversial drilling technique known as fracking, the head of Wyoming's oil and gas regulatory agency said.

The rules apply to hydraulic fracturing, which involves pumping pressurized water, sand and chemicals down well bores to pry open fissures and facilitate the flow of oil or gas out of surrounding deposits.

Some environmentalists say the chemicals used in the process can contaminate aquifers and water wells. The rules require companies to disclose the chemicals that go into the fracking fluids they use.

The idea is that if groundwater contamination ever occurred, fracking chemicals could be identified -- or ruled out -- as the source.

The Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission approved the disclosure rules in June and they went into effect Sept. 15. Oilfield services company Halliburton already appears to have disclosed chemicals used in fracking operations on the Oil and Gas Conservation Commission website.

Commission supervisor Tom Doll said companies don't seem to be looking for ways around the new rules." More>>>>




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