August 20th, 2014 by WCBC Radio
A University of Maryland study warns that without adequate safeguards, drilling for natural gas using hydraulic fracturing could harm the health of residents, workers and communities in Western Maryland. The study, released Monday, raises the stakes for a long-running state review of safeguards needed before gas extraction can proceed using fracturing. Also known as "fracking," the technique pumps large quantities of water, sand and chemicals deep underground to free up natural gas trapped in rocks. The governor’s commission charged with issuing a report met at Frostburg State University this week. Commission member Delegate Heather Mizeur said there are a wide range of factors and potential impacts to consider before the state should even think about signing off on issuing permits for drilling…
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