Although some states have imposed stricter regulations and safety measures on fracking activities, little to nothing has improved for the residents of Pavillon. Wyoming and the industry have resisted further investigation and remediation, and residents continue to face water insecurity.

Between 2023 and 2024, the rules on federal level regarding methane emissions and wastewater disposal were strengthened, but fracking is exempt from the Safe Drinking Water Act (also known as the 'Halliburton Loophole', named after one of the main companies producing fracking fluid).

Several studies by the EPA and the USGS found cases of groundwater contamination near fracking sites, though industry groups argue that these are isolated incidents.

While the EPA recommended further investigation, stricter regulations on shallow fracking and improved well casings to prevent future contamination, very little has been done to improve the situation since the EPA handed over the investigation.

Contamination in Pavillion, most likely caused by shallow fracking, has made the local groundwater unsafe to drink, forcing residents to rely on bottled water for over a decade.

Furthermore, each fracked well uses 5–40 million litres of water, which can put a strain on local water supplies and lead to seismic activity due to wastewater injection.

Hydraulic fracturing/fracking uses water, sand and chemicals injected at high pressure into shale rock to release oil and gas. This process can contaminate groundwater with methane, heavy metals and fracking fluids, particularly in areas that lack impermeable layers to contain the fracking area.

Analyses found contaminants such as benzene, methane, alcohols and other chemicals associated with fracking fluids in the groundwater. The investigation was met with strong opposition from the industry, and the EPA eventually transferred it to the state level before reaching a conclusion.

In the early 2000s, residents of Pavillion, Wyoming, started to complain about a strange smell and taste in their drinking water shortly after fracking activities began in the area. The citizens contacted the EPA, who conducted a field investigation and drilled several monitoring wells.

I presented our latest research on groundwater recharge yesterday to the NSW government water planners for groundwater and coastal syatems. And then led tours to show the team our recharge monitoring sites at Harrie Wood Cave, Yarrangobilly.

𝗪𝗲 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗵𝘆𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗲𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀. Our 50 instruments enable us to install extensive monitoring networks and gain a detailed understanding of groundwater behaviour.

𝗢𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘂𝘀.

More info? www.traqua.be/en/technologie
Rental quote? [email protected]

Ecological Engineers & Delivering Integrated Catchment Planning 
📅 27 November 11:00-12:00 (GMT)

A webinar on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in ecological engineering, specifically in the water industry. There will be a Q&A session. Register -

Image credit : ©Copyright Chris Heaton (www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2073224)

An elaborate drainage system in the chalk prevents groundwater infiltration and the build-up of water pressure.

So, next time you travel by train between France and the UK, take a moment to appreciate the engineering excellence that went into building the "Chunnel".

All these aspects had to be considered during construction. The underground was mapped in 3D to predict where the ground might move or settle. A mix of steel reinforcements and grouting was used to provide stability, and constant monitoring ensures the safety of the Folkestone Tunnel entrance.

Folkestone has access to a more stable Chalk Marl layer. The geology comprises chalk, clay, and flint. While chalk is soft and easy to dig, it is also unstable. Clay can swell when wet, putting pressure on tunnel walls. Adding to these difficulties are major fault lines that shift over time.

Initially, the UK entrance was planned to be closer to the iconic White Cliffs and the shoreline, but the soft chalk was deemed too unstable for the large-scale construction work required. Chalk is a challenging material: it is porous and crumbly, and contains hidden pockets of water.

However, it was only when discussing with Claire Howarth from Mott MacDonald that I learned that the underwater section was not the only challenge. The entrance to the tunnel on the UK side, in Folkestone, is built within a quite peculiar geology.