Draft findings from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finds a likely connection  between ground water contamination in Pavillion, Wyoming and area gas production.

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The EPA began investigating water quality concerns in private drinking water wells in the Pavillion Wyoming area three years ago looking to identify potential sources. The findings released Thursday indicate a likely association with gas production practices, including hydraulic fracturing.

EPA sampled from deep monitoring wells, they also re-tested private and public drinking water wells.

Detected in the samplings were synthetic chemicals, like glycols and alcohols consistent with gas production and hydraulic fracturing fluids, plus benzene concentrations well above Safe Drinking Water Act standards and high methane levels.

The draft findings are specific to Pavillion, where the fracturing is taking place in and below the drinking water aquifer and in close proximity to drinking water wells.

The draft report is available for a 45 day public comment period and a 30 day peer-review process led by a panel of independent scientists.

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