Encana Asks EPA To Suspend Public Comment

Encana Oil and Gas says the Environmental Protection Agency is moving too fast with its draft analysis of ground water contamination in the town of Pavillion, and has asked the EPA to suspend the public comment period.

In a letter dated January 6th, Encana oil and gas asked the EPA to suspend the public comment period until the agency’s plans were better explained and additional critical data could be disseminated.

In early December the EPA released a draft of its ground water investigation in the town of Pavillion, which indicated that the area’s aquifer contains compounds that are: “Likely associated with gas production practices, including hydraulic fracturing.”

Encana contends that the data does not establish a connection between hydraulic fracturing and water contamination, and has filed a FOIA request for additional data from the EPA.

In late December officials from the Wyoming Water Development Commission slammed the EPA’s report, saying that samples were improperly tested yet sources within the EPA have called that accusation a “mischaracterization.”

EPA officials have refrained from doing interviews with the media until the public comment and review process is over, but say they are reviewing Encana’s request.