EPA to gather data on hydraulic fracturing fluid chemicals

EPA to gather data on hydraulic fracturing fluid chemicals by Rick Boucher, Roger R Martella Jr, Sean M Moran, Catherine Karen, August 12, 2013, Sidley Austin LLP
In response to a petition for rulemaking, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that it will gather data on chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing fluid. In 2011 environmental groups had petitioned the EPA to regulate under the Toxic Substances Control Act the chemicals used in the well-drilling and completion process, which is broader than just hydraulic fracturing fluids (eg, chemicals in cements and drilling muds). In response, the EPA agreed to issue an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking to gather data on chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing fluids, but declined to commit to any future decision to regulate those chemicals. The EPA will take comments on a process to gather data while avoiding duplication, protecting confidential information and consulting with other agencies. The EPA has not provided a timeframe for issuing its notice. [Emphasis added]

This entry was posted in Global Frac News. Bookmark the permalink.