CBF Study Reveals Pollutants Coming from Natural Gas Drilling Sites

     Annapolis, Md. -- A infrared video investigation of natural gas drilling and processing sites in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and West Virginia, funded by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, has found invisible air pollution rising from almost three quarters of them.

     The video was sent to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday with a letter. The video shows that methane emissions from drilling sites are not adequately controlled, and that proposed new EPA regulations for the drilling industry do not recognize the extent of the problem or a solution. 

     In its letter, CBF concludes "that a federal rule governing air pollution associated with natural gas hydraulic fracturing is greatly needed; however, EPA has failed to fully consider the existing and potential impacts of leaks from hydraulic fracturing. EPA has also failed to fully consider the impact of methane 

released from drilling and process equipment on human health and the environment. Without a 

comprehensive PEIS (Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement) the rule falls short of EPA’s statutorily mandated directive."
    The video can be viewed by clicking here.