How the EPA linked “fracking” to contaminated well water by Scott K. Johnson, December 9, 2011, Ars technica
More importantly, several synthetic and unusual compounds were detected, including 2-butoxyethanol, isopropanol, and a few glycols—all of which are known to be used in fracking fluids. Another compound, tert-butyl alcohol (TBA), is a breakdown component of a couple different potential fracking components, including the gasoline additive MTBE.… More surprises come in the analysis of the cement seals around gas well casings. The EPA obtained records of cement seal integrity logs that were made using an acoustic geophysical tool that was lowered down some of the wells. … The logs showed that intervals of “sporadic bonding” were common, including some directly above the elevations where fracking had taken place. [Emphasis added]