EPA Confirms Drinking Water at Risk from Fracking

ALBANY, NY (12/08/2011)(readMedia)-- In response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's announcement today that the agency has documented industrial gas drilling by means of high volume hydraulic fracturing or fracking as the source of contamination of aquifers and wells that supply drinking water to families in Pavillion, WY, the New York Water Rangers released the following statement:

"Water pollution is not the type of thing you want to be right about, but the EPA's findings fit the growing body of evidence from across the country that where there's fracking, there's water contamination."

Today's announcement just adds fuel to the growing fire. New York must be vigilant in protecting our waters and communities from the dangers of industrial gas drilling and fracking. Governor Cuomo and the Department of Environmental Conservation must make sure they study the science and critical protections are in place if fracking is permitted in the Empire State.

New York State's leaders cannot risk the long-term health and safety of our waters for short-term, and perhaps illusory, economic gains."

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The New York Water Rangers campaign is supported by a network of organizations working to protect the rights and health of New Yorkers and one of our most precious environmental resources-water-from the dangers of irresponsible, poorly regulated, and under-inspected natural gas exploration and development. The campaign is supported by Catskill Mountainkeeper, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Earthjustice, EARTHWORKS Oil & Gas Accountability Project, Environment New York, Fleased, Natural Resources Defense Council, Otsego 2000, and Riverkeeper. Visit www.CleanWaterNotDirtyDrilling.org to learn more.