EPA’s Science Advisory Board will form an independent panel to provide transparent feedback on its 2014 draft report on hydraulic fracturing and its impact on drinking water resources.
On March 25, 2013, the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) independent Science Advisory Board announced formation of a panel of independent experts to review the agency’s hydraulic fracturing research report,which is to be completed in 2014. The 31-member Hydraulic Fracturing Research Advisory Panel will review and provide scientific research on the EPA’s Congressionally-mandated draft report on the potential impacts of fracturing on drinking water.
Hydraulic fracturing has unlocked natural gas resources that were previously inaccessible. It has also raised environmental concerns, as the fracturing process involves injection of chemicals, sand, and water at high pressure into gas-bearing rock. In the FY2010 Appropriations Committee Conference Report, Congress directed the EPA to conduct a study to assess the impact of hydraulic fracturing on water quality. On March 18, 2010, the EPA announced a $1.9-million research study to assess the entire cycle of water used in hydraulic fracturing.
The members of the peer review panel were selected to assess the EPA’s research report and meet rules concerning financial conflicts of interest. The panel is to provide transparent assessment of the EPA report. To this end, EPA will request the panel to consider input from applied science experts in the area. The EPA underscores the need for up-to-date information on scientific and technological evolution in the fast-growing drilling industry and intends to provide a final report based on sound science.
The panel will meet on May 7-8 to provide individual feedback from its members on EPA’s 2012 progress report and review public comments. The feedback would be considered for EPA’s 2014 draft report. During subsequent meetings, the panel will review presentations on fracturing technologies.
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