Opponents of responsible onshore energy development in America are slowly but gradually starting to change their tune when it comes to making their case.  After attempting to convince the public that natural gas operations in general, and hydraulic fracturing in particular, were detrimental to water resources, now the focus appears to have shifted to other areas and “concerns.”  It’s worth asking: if the development process itself hasn’t changed, why have the opposition’s talking points?

The answer, we think, most likely derives from the fact that the overwhelming body of available evidence on the science of fracturing – as seen in study after study – suggests not only that fracturing can be deployed safely, but, in fact, that it is being deployed safely.  The latest addition to this growing roster of science-based studies is an independent analysis of water samples collected in Bradford County, Pa. by EPA as part of the agency’s ongoing HF study. In reviewing the extensive background information and water samples collected before, during and after natural gas development, the analysis found:

    “The plots show that the EPA study well water quality is relatively consistent over time, and that there is no significant deviation in water quality from baseline to post-drilling sampling ” (page ES-3)

To read the rest of this post, go to: http://eidmarcellus.org/blog/a-watershed-moment-in-bradford-county/...