AAPG statement on hydraulic fracturing

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Issue

Regulatory oversight of hydraulic fracturing treatments for shale gas, coalbed methane, and other hydrocarbon wells that may occur near zones of potable water are currently regulated at the state level. Federal legislative efforts to regulate hydraulic fracturing are not necessary because the States have been successfully regulating this process for at least 50 years.

Background

Modern fracturing practices work to safeguard the environment and present minimal potential damage to fresh-water zones. Most hydraulic fracturing takes place in zones removed from drinking-water supplies. Although fracturing fluids vary widely, the commonly used ingredients are limited in toxicity and/or mobility in water.

Statement

• AAPG opposes federally mandated regulation of hydraulic fracturing treatments, preferring regional regulatory expertise at the state level.
• Permit procedures for fracturing within fresh-water aquifer zones (mostly undertaken in support of methane production from coal beds) should be designed on a basin-by-basin and state-by-state basis.
• Permitting agencies should bear in mind in each instance the wide variety of possible designs of fracture treatments, and the geologic relationships of reservoir beds and aquifers unique to each area.