COGA calls frac fluid study "sound science"

Dec. 12, 2014
Chemicals used in fracturing fluid appear to be no more toxic than chemicals commonly found in homes, said an analysis by University of Colorado Boulder researchers who studied surfactants found in fracturing fluid samples collected in five states.

Chemicals used in fracturing fluid appear to be no more toxic than chemicals commonly found in homes, said an analysis by University of Colorado Boulder researchers who studied surfactants found in fracturing fluid samples collected in five states.

Analytical Chemistry published the study's findings during November. The National Science Foundation, among others, helped finance the study. Fluid samples were provided through partnerships with Colorado State University and CU-Boulder.

Doug Flanders, director of policy and external affairs for the Colorado Oil & Gas Association, said COGA welcomes sound science and continued transparency.

"For Colorado families, this should again give comfort that oil and gas development is being conducted responsibly," Flanders said. "It's critical to note that in Colorado any concerned resident can already learn exactly what's in fracing fluid, thanks to the state's first-of-its-kind disclosure rules."

Samples were taken from fracturing fluid in Colorado, Louisiana, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Texas.

Michael Thurman of the Laboratory for Environmental Mass Spectrometry in CU-Boulder's College of Engineering and Applied Science was lead author.

Thurman said the results might not pertain to all wells because operators determine the contents of fracturing fluid depending on the geology involved. More water samples will be collected for other wells as part of a larger natural gas development study at CU-Boulder.