EPA Report: Facking Doesn’t Harm Drinking Water

Groups in favor of natural gas development in New York State using the controversial hydraulic fracturing method are citing a newly released Environmental Protection Agency report to urge Governor Andrew Cuomo to lift an indefinite ban on fracking.

The EPA review said the technology has not caused widespread harm to drinking water.

Still, Cuomo’s office says the moratorium will stay in place as a state review showed the potential of significant adverse impacts.  The state Department of Environmental Conservation report looked at not only water but also impacts on air, public health, ecosystems, wildlife and communities.

While the EPA review, ordered by Congress, found no significant harm to water supplies, the study does say there is a potential of contamination if safeguards are not maintained.