RESOLUTION  02-2

 CONCERNING THE USE OF DIESEL FUEL IN FRACTURING FLUIDS IN

UNDERGROUND SOURCES OF DRINKING WATER  

WHEREAS,  on August 28, 2002, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a draft report on its study evaluating the impacts to underground sources of drinking water (USDWs) by hydraulic fracturing of coalbed methane reservoirs; and

WHEREAS,  the draft report finds that the potential threats to USDWs posed by hydraulic fracturing of coalbed methane wells appear to be low and do not justify additional study; and

WHEREAS, the draft report finds no persuasive evidence that any drinking water wells have been contaminated by coalbed methane hydraulic fracturing; and

WHEREAS, the draft report expresses concern about the use of diesel fuel in fracturing fluids introduced into USDWs, and notes that alternatives exist and are preferable from an environmental perspective; and

WHEREAS,  although the threat to public health appears to be low, EPA believes it may feasible and prudent for industry to eliminate the use of diesel fuel in fracturing fluids in USDWs;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of the Ground Water Protection Council, meeting in San Francisco , California on the 25th day of September, 2002, urges the oil and gas industry to discontinue the use of diesel fuel in fracturing fluids in USDWs.