Report finds harmful chemicals used during 'fracking'

Companies have pumped massive quantities of potentially harmful chemicals into the ground as part of a natural-gas drilling technique called hydraulic fracturing, according to a report from top House Democrats obtained by The New York Times.

Here’s the key takeaway from the Times story:

“Some of the ingredients mixed into the hydraulic fracturing fluids were common and generally harmless, like salt and citric acid. Others were unexpected, like instant coffee and walnut hulls, the report said. Many of the ingredients were ‘extremely toxic,’ including benzene, a known human carcinogen, and lead.”

“Companies injected large amounts of other hazardous chemicals including 11.4 million gallons of fluids containing at least one of the toxic or carcinogenic B.T.E.X. chemicals — benzene, toluene, xylene and ethylbenzene. The companies used the highest volume of fluids containing one or more carcinogens in Colorado, Oklahoma and Texas.”

Hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking” — in which water, sand and chemicals are injected into the ground to get access to valuable natural-gas reserves — has come under fire for its potential effects on public health and the environment.

The Times has published a series of investigative stories in recent months on the practice.

The report, which the Times says will be released Monday, was authored by Reps. Henry Waxman (Calif.), the top Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Edward Markey (Mass.), the top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee, and Diana DeGette (D-Colo.).