No fracking link to water contamination say experts

Published on Friday 17 February 2012 00:00

Claims that a controversial method of extracting natural gas contaminates water supplies are not backed by scientific evidence, experts have concluded.

The technique, known as hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, involves shattering shale rock with high-pressure injections of water and chemicals deep underground.

Test drilling for shale gas in Lancashire is already believed to have triggered minor earthquakes. But the biggest complaint about fracking, voiced by critics in the United States where it is already extensively used, is that it pollutes groundwater with toxic chemicals.

A team of Texas scientists has now reviewed the evidence and concluded that fracking cannot be linked directly to groundwater contamination.The team presented its findings yesterday to the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

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7

duelaynomore

Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 12:02 PM

NOT FRACKING LIKELY !!!!

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6

Willie Boy

Friday, February 17, 2012 at 01:10 PM

Ah, just like nuclear leaks, it'l be good for the environment.

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5

bridgetthecat

Friday, February 17, 2012 at 12:23 PM

3, So why is are water springs in Australia going up in flames? Nothing to do with fracking? http:thejackalman.blogspot.co.nz201108opposition-to-fracking-gains-momentum.html Christ you are a P r i c k!

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4

Faceless_bureaucrat

Friday, February 17, 2012 at 09:12 AM

1 - Yes, the climate change scientists are disgraceful.

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3

unimpressedone

Friday, February 17, 2012 at 08:52 AM

Of course the eco-loons will ignore this piece of scientific evidence since it doesn't fit with their hairshirt dogma. So much for us running out of fossil fuels.

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2

AndrewJohnYounger

Friday, February 17, 2012 at 08:19 AM

Texas! Bin it. Never could I trust a home of American oil to attain any other view except that wanted by big business. And these report writers earn there wages from where?

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1

antiparasite

Friday, February 17, 2012 at 12:53 AM

Scientists will say anything if the price is right.....

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