25 June 2013 (13:18 UTC-07 Tango)/16 Sha’ban 1434/04 Tir 1391/18 Wu-Wu (5th month) 4711

“The methane, ethane and propane data, and new evidence from hydrocarbon and helium isotopes, all suggest that drilling has affected some homeowners’ water.”–Robert Jackson, Duke University

Duke University sampled 141 water wells in Pennsylvania.  They concluded what past studies have concluded; fracking of shale gas/oil poisons the drinking water.

Methane concentrations were six times higher and ethane concentrations were 23 times higher at homes within a kilometer (about half a mile) of a shale gas well.

“Our studies demonstrate that distances from drilling sites, as well as variations in local and regional geology, play major roles in determining the possible risk of groundwater impacts from shale gas development.”-Avner Vengosh, Duke University

Now for the controversy: Back in May, Duke University said they could not find water contamination in Arkansas fracking operations: “These findings demonstrate that shale gas development, at least in this area, has been done without negatively impacting drinking water resources.”-Nathaniel R. Warner, Duke University student researcher

The Arkansas study checked only “shallow drinking water wells”.