The EPA extended the deadline to “ensure that [it] is up-to-date on evolving hydraulic fracturing practices and technologies.” This study has been underway since 2011, and it is expected that this extension will not delay the release of the final report in late 2014.
In a December 2012 progress report, the EPA stated that it was conducting 18 research projects on the relationship between fracking and drinking water and reviewing data on fracking fluids, well construction, chemical spills, and water quality from wells around the country.
The EPA’s progress report is discussed in our prior blog post on February 27, 2013, EPA Technical Roundtables Concerning Potential Impacts of Hydraulic Fracturing on Drinking Water Resources.
Review the Federal Register notice of the deadline extension.
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