The Stream, July 29: Controversy Continues Over EPA Fracking Studies

Hydraulic Fracturing
An internal report showing that United States Environmental Protection Agency staff in Pennsylvania objected to the closing of a drinking water assessment near natural gas drill sites in Dimock, Pennsylvania, has cast further doubt on the agency’s hydraulic fracturing studies, the Los Angeles Times reported. The EPA defended its Dimock decision, saying that the internal report was a “preliminary evaluation.”

Climate Change
The water content in thawing permafrost is critical for determining how quickly greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide, are released from the soil, according to a study published in Nature Climate Change. Permafrost that is saturated after thawing will release carbon dioxide more slowly than non-saturated permafrost, Science World Report reported.

Low water levels on Lake Michigan and Huron may represent a new era for the Great Lakes, according to a new series on water levels published by The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The report looks at why levels have remained historically low for the past 14 years without a significant rebound.

Hydropower in Africa
Uganda has given two hydroelectric dam contracts to Chinese companies in the past two months, continuing a trend of Chinese investment in Africa, Reuters reported. Both dams will be on the Nile River.

The Stream is a daily digest spotting global water trends. To get more water news, follow Circle of Blue on Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.

Codi Kozacek

A news correspondent for Circle of Blue based out of Hawaii. She writes The Stream, Circle of Blue’s daily digest of international water news trends. Her interests include food security, ecology and the Great Lakes.
Contact Codi Kozacek