The US Environmental Protection Agency released an update on 18 research projects connected to its study of hydraulic fracturing’s possible impacts on drinking water supplies. It also released details of its research approach and next steps on the projects and analyses.

The Dec. 21 update followed EPA’s November release of the study’s final plan. It continues to solicit comments from the oil and gas industry and other stakeholders, and expects to release a draft report of the study’s results in 2014.

EPA also announced that its Science Advisory Board is forming a panel of independent experts to review the study. It said the SAB will provide an opportunity for the public to offer comments for consideration by the individual panel members.

Contact Nick Snow at nicks@pennwell.com