Gov. Mead Signs Bill To Help Pavillion Water Concerns

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A bill that includes $750,000 in funding to help address water quality issues for residents of Pavillion is now law.

Gov. Matt Mead signed the bill on Tuesday after if passed the legislature.

The federal government has investigated whether hydraulic fracturing, a technique used in energy production, has contributed to what residents say are water quality problems in the area.

The EPA found suspect chemicals in two wells it drilled to test groundwater in a gas field. Agency scientists speculated in a draft report that gas development, including hydraulic fracturing, may have been to blame for the contamination.

The report has been criticized by the state and oil and gas concerns and industry officials have recommended a number of experts, including four from Wyoming, review the EPA's findings.