EPA concludes fracking can, in some circumstances, impact drinking water

Federal regulators have determined that hydraulic fracturing in oil and gas fields can contaminate local drinking water, pleasing state environmentalists who are pushing for more regulation over the fracking industry and drawing criticism from some in energy who say the decision is politically motivated.

The Environmental Protection Agency released a final assessment of the risks of fracking Tuesday. Fracking is the practice of injecting a mix of chemicals at high pressure underground to access hard-to-reach oil and gas deposits.

While it has revolutionized the way industry extracts fossil fuels, it has also drawn criticism from many who cite its dangers. Industry proponents of fracking say it can be done safely.

http://trib.com/business/energy/epa-concludes-fracking-can-in-some-circumstances-impact-drinking-water/article_c94672f5-f584-5234-a345-a8267be48078.html