Fracking Fears Confirmed: Scientists Link Wells to Pennsylvania Town's Water Crisis

Scientists Suspect Fracking Contaminated Pennsylvania Town's Wells In the summer of 2022, a small town in Pennsylvania's Greene County faced a crisis when residents began to notice strange odors and discoloration in their well water. The source of this contamination was suspected to be fracking, a process used to extract oil and gas from underground rock formations. According to Dr. John Stolz, a professor at Duquesne University who specializes in testing water for signs of pollution from fracking, the town's residents had been experiencing problems with their well water since 2022. "The Center for Coalfield Justice reached out to me, asking for my help," Stolz said. "They told me about New Freeport and the concerns they had about the safety of their drinking water." Stolz and his colleagues conducted testing on the town's wells, which revealed high levels of contaminants such as methane, ethane, and propane. These chemicals are commonly used in fracking fluids but can be hazardous to human health if ingested. The suspected cause of the contamination was a frac-out, a term used to describe when drilling fluids escape their intended path and end up at the surface or elsewhere underground. In this case, the frac-out occurred through an abandoned gas well nearby. "This is not just a local issue," said Stolz. "It's a statewide concern. We need to ensure that our water sources are protected from fracking activities." The incident in New Freeport highlights the ongoing debate about the environmental and health impacts of fracking. While some argue that fracking can be done safely, others contend that it poses significant risks to public health and the environment. In recent years, several studies have linked fracking to groundwater contamination, air pollution, and increased seismic activity. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also acknowledged the potential risks associated with fracking, including the release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The situation in New Freeport is not an isolated incident. According to a report by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), there have been at least 20 frac-outs reported in the state since 2018. As the debate over fracking continues, scientists and policymakers are calling for greater transparency and regulation of the industry. "We need to take a closer look at the environmental impacts of fracking and ensure that we're protecting public health," said Stolz. The incident in New Freeport serves as a reminder of the importance of monitoring water quality and holding industries accountable for their activities. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, it is essential that we prioritize the protection of our natural resources. Background: Fracking, also known as hydraulic fracturing, involves injecting high-pressure fluids into underground rock formations to release oil and gas. While fracking has been touted as a source of domestic energy production, concerns have been raised about its environmental and health impacts. Additional Perspectives: "We're not just talking about water contamination; we're talking about the long-term effects on public health," said Dr. Anthony Ingraffea, a professor at Cornell University who has studied the environmental impacts of fracking. "The industry needs to take responsibility for their activities and ensure that they're not harming our communities," said Tom Schuster, executive director of the Center for Coalfield Justice. Current Status: The situation in New Freeport remains under investigation. The Pennsylvania DEP is working with local authorities to determine the cause of the contamination and develop a plan to address it. As the debate over fracking continues, scientists and policymakers are calling for greater transparency and regulation of the industry. "We need to take a closer look at the environmental impacts of fracking and ensure that we're protecting public health," said Stolz. *Reporting by Motherjones.*