Study: Risks of Fracking Underestimated, Ignored

FRESNO, Calif. (KMJ) — The potential dangers presented by oil and gas exploration alongside agriculture are believed to have been ignored or underestimated for several years.

According the Oakland-based water think tank the Pacific Institute, there’s growing concern about competition for land and water, and the impacts of soil and water contamination on the food supply, as well as the health of farm workers.

Researchers say there are severe deficiencies, in the the way California regulates the underground injections of waste water.

Previous studies have revealed that little is known about the more than half, of the chemicals used in fracking.

Earlier this year, The State Water Resources Control Board promised to begin monitoring water quality, near oil and gas well fracking.