미국석유협회(American Petroleum Institute,  API)에 따르면 미국환경보호청(EPA)은 새로운 보고서 초안에서 수압파쇄는 안전성, 주 연방의 규정 및 업계의 현재 관행 등으로 인해 식수자원이 시스템에 미치는 영향을 확산시키는 것으로 이어지지 않는다고 밝혔다.

 

API의 임원 Erik Milito는 “5년 이상 수백만 달러를 투자해 EPA가 수집한 증거자료에서 석유와 가스 산업으로 알려진 기관은 이미 이를 인정하고 있다”며, “수압파쇄 상태는 국가 규제 및 업계의 모범사례 등을 통한 강력한 환경 규제로 안전하게 관리되고 있다”고 말했다.

 

 

 

According to the American Petroleum Institute, a new draft report by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that hydraulic fracturing has not led to widespread, systemic impacts on drinking water resources thanks to the safety and effectiveness of state and federal regulations and current industry practices.

 

"After more than five years and millions of dollars, the evidence gathered by EPA confirms what the agency has already acknowledged and what the oil and gas industry has known," said API Upstream Group Director Erik Milito. "Hydraulic fracturing is being done safely under the strong environmental stewardship of state regulators and industry best practices."

 

From 2009 to 2013, while the EPA was conducting this study, state agencies finalized an estimated 82 groundwater-related rules for oil and gas production, including hundreds of discrete rule changes, according to the Ground Water Protection Council.

 

"Continuous safety improvements have been an ongoing part of hydraulic fracturing for 65 years," added Milito. "That process will continue, with our support, under the oversight of state regulators who are most familiar with their own area's unique geology, hydrology, and other physical characteristics.

 

[출처 = Water World / 2015년 6월 10일]