Ground Water Protection Council to Develop and Implement a State-Based System Disclosing Chemicals Used in Hydraulic Fracturing
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20100929006359/en/Ground-Water-Protection-Council-Develop-Implement-State-Based
September 29, 2010 12:07 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Ground Water Protection Council to Develop and Implement a State-Based System Disclosing Chemicals Used in Hydraulic Fracturing
GWPC Board Supports Complete Public Disclosure of Chemical Compositions Per Well
PITTSBURGH, PA.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Meeting in the heart of one of the most prolific natural gas shale plays in America, the 20-member board of directors of the Ground Water Protection Council (GWPC) unanimously passed a resolution calling for complete disclosure of chemicals used during the hydraulic fracturing process, common in the exploration of shale gas.
In the resolution, the GWPC – a national nonprofit association consisting of state ground water regulatory agencies – joined together to protect ground water by implementing a web-based system to obtain, store and publish information concerning chemicals used in the hydraulic fracturing process on a per-well basis.
“We are pleased the energy industry is voluntarily moving towards greater transparency when it comes to disclosing the chemicals used in the hydraulic fracturing process. Even though the process consists mostly of water and sand, it is in the best interest of the public to publish the chemical compositions,” commented Joseph Lee, board president from Pennsylvania. “As a board, we are fully behind complete disclosure, and we believe without question the GWPC has the resources, data and expertise to develop and implement a state-based system capable of providing an unprecedented level of accurate and verifiable information. Since the GWPC members are primarily state officials responsible for administering the underground injection control program established under the 1974 Safe Drinking Water Act, we believe no one has more knowledge of ground water protection than our members.”
In announcing the passage of the resolution, which is included as an addendum to this press release, Lee pointed to the GWPC’s Risk Based Data Management System (RBDMS) as the technology platform upon which the national chemical registry would be built. The RBDMS is already used by 25 state agencies charged with regulating and overseeing oil and gas activities. This system was developed by the GWPC under the guidance of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
“We know some energy companies have already voluntarily started to make their chemical compositions available on their websites,” Lee said. “Again, while we laud this effort, individual company reporting is not the most desirable long-term solution. We need a centralized, global site where regulators, companies and – most importantly – the public can come for reliable and current information on individual wells. And, while reporting would be voluntary, we have every reason to believe the majority of energy companies will respond favorably and actively participate in the program.”
Lee also noted that the GWPC has been working with the DOE to refine the idea of a state-based chemical disclosure system built on the RBDMS. “We are pleased with the positive reception at the DOE to this idea, and we are looking forward to working with our DOE colleagues on this project,” Lee said.
GWPC officials said they have already started to build the beta test site and expect to roll out the live site in the next six weeks.
RESOLUTION 10-1
REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION ABOUT THE CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS USED IN THE PRACTICE OF HYDRAULIC FRACTURING
WHEREAS, the practice of hydraulic fracturing typically involves the use of an engineered fluid system that contains chemical additives; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the public that information concerning the individual chemical constituents used in hydraulic fracturing be made available through the states; and
WHEREAS, the experience and capability exists within the Ground Water Protection Council and its member states to develop electronic systems to gather, store and disseminate information about the chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the GWPC, in concert with other state representative organizations, intends to develop and implement a system to enhance access to state and other pertinent information concerning chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing.
Passed by the Board
Contacts for the Ground Water Protection Council
Brent Gooden, 405-715-3232