Local Williston Leaders React to EPA Fracking Report

Community leaders are concerned about the latest statement released by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about the groundwater contamination that is believed to be due to hydraulic fracturing.

A week ago, the EPA revealed that they believe that hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking, could be responsible for contaminating the groundwater.

In a draft EPA research finding, they discovered that compounds that were typically utilized in fracking were found in the groundwater beneath Pavillion, Wyoming.

As reported by the AP, the residents of the Pavillion observed that small of strong chemicals from their wells. After the EPA found traces of hydrocarbons, Pavillion residents were cautioned against drinking the water by their health officials.

According to Ward Koeser, the mayor of Williston, the groundwater contamination makes them nervous. However, they do not know how to respond appropriately, mainly because the fracking is nearer than Pennsylvania. The Bakken shale is believed to be located somewhere between 8,000-11,000 feet underneath the surface area, and is far below North Dakota’s water table.

Brad Bekkedahl, the city commissioner of Williston City, explained that he did not know a lot about fracking rules and regulations in Wyoming, or the state laws on the drill depths for company drilling.

Because there is no information and no context, he cannot frame their next course of action with regards to the EPA announcement. Hopefully, the EPA will back their findings with concrete research and evidence before writing up new rules and regulations.

Bekkadahl believes that there should be more research done before jumping to conclusions.

According to the Associated Press, the findings were only for the Pavillion area, because the hydraulic fracturing methods used in this location differ from other areas. It is said that Pavillion has a different kind of geologic makeup.

According to the Rick Berg in a press release on last Friday, he believes that the EPA announcement is premature and reckless.

In the press release, he criticizes the EPA for releasing an announcement based on preliminary results on a study that has yet to be completed, or has gone through the necessary review processes.

Berg goes on to say that if EPA would come up with fracking regulations based on inconclusive and unverified information, it may do long-term damage to the energy sector of North Dakota.

Koeser echoes the hope that the EPA verifies the preliminary research study before issuing hydraulic fracturing regulations, and asks that the EPA use common sense before taking further action.