ENVIROBYTES, A SUMMARY OF ISSUES AND EVENTS FOR WEEKS ENDING OCTOBER 21, 2011 TO NOVEMBER 4, 2011

EPA IS EVALUATING HYDRAULIC FRACTURING’S POTENTIAL IMPACTS ON DRINKING WATER

On Nov. 3, EPA announced a final research plan to scientifically evaluate hydraulic fracturing, a technology used to extract natural gas. This plan will help determine hydraulic fracturing’s impact on the nation’s drinking water and to safeguard the environment and public health. The initial research results and study findings will be released to the public in 2012, with the final reporting ready in 2014.

_www.epa.gov/hydraulicfracturing_ (http://www.epa.gov/hydraulicfracturing) See also: _www.frackcheckwv.net_ (http://www.frackcheckwv.net)

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NOTE: CLEAR is working with the Friends of the Cheat, with offices in Kingwood, to continue to clean up the Cheat Watershed. In this regard, we are particularly concerned that around 40 permits for Marcellus drilling and fracking that have already been issued in the watershed. Also, there is concern that a Marcellus drilling wastes disposal site may be permitted and developed near the confluence of the Big Sandy and Little Sandy, not far from Bruceton Mills in the Cheat watershed. Leach drainage and runoff from well pads and from disposal sites would bring heavy metals and toxic organic compounds into the Cheat River and into Cheat Lake. Chlorides and bromides could also become a problem. We are concerned for the wildlife (fish and other creatures) as well as the recreational quality of Cheat Lake. We also want to protect the water quality in the Monongahela River and the Ohio River.

Duane Nichols