NGWA Issues Hydraulic Fracturing Paper for Policymakers

The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) has issued a position paper entitled, “Hydraulic Fracturing: Meeting the Nation’s Energy Needs While Protecting Groundwater Resources.” The paper includes a series of principles for policymaking aimed at protecting groundwater in areas of the nation that are experiencing increased oil and gas development using hydraulic fracturing.

NGWA recommends that policies be put in place and enforced, if they are not already, that promote: disclosure of chemicals; proper construction and maintenance; options to address surface spills and waste management; development of water supply plans in areas where water is scarce or the potential for water use conflicts exist; additional studies on the potential impacts to drinking water; and development of water testing protocols and monitoring programs.

To view the NGWA position paper online, go to: http://www.ngwa.org/Documents/PositionPapers/hydraulic-fracturing-position-paper.pdf.