Incidents where hydraulic fracturing is a suspected cause of drinking water contamination

Ohio: In 2007, there was an explosion of a water well and contamination of at least 22 other drinking water wells in Bainbridge Township after hydraulic fracturing of a nearby natural gas well owned by Ohio Valley Energy Systems. According to the State investigation, one of the contributing factors to this incident is that: “the frac communicated directly with the well bore and was not confined within the “Clinton” reservoir.”

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Transient work force a problem

While there was optimistic discussion of jobs, concerns turned to the impact of hundreds of new workers on community services and what to do about chemical-laced water that drillers pump underground to crack the shale and release natural gas.

Douglas Hill, executive director of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania, said some counties and municipalities are starting to struggle with an increase in out-of-state workers and specialized legal work accompanying a transient work force. He said some employees are on probation in other states, wanted on other states' warrants or involved in domestic disputes.

"When you come from out of state, you don't have the community support -- the family, the church, the friends -- to keep you out of the system," Hill said.

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Great Video from our Friends in PA

Don't miss this video from Environment America and PennEnvironment about Hydro Fracking in Pennsylvania. They cover a wide range of topics including water quality, property values, farming, state parks, and traffic. Its the best 20 minutes you will spend today!

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