The EPA is looking at the issue of transparency in what kinds of fracking fluids are being used by which companies – and where.
Environmental groups have asked that the current repository for that information – called “Frac Focus” – be replaced by an EPA-driven site.
"Probably the larger concern is -- there is the ability to claim confidentiality, or 'trade secret' through Frac Focus," said North Dakota Mineral Resources director Lynn Helms. "Its inherent design allows companies to maintain trade secrets."
Helms says Frac Focus has worked well to provide transparency of the fluids used to frack wells. And he says he's not in favor of ending the trade secret protections.
"Trade secrets is the law in the US," said Helms. "Secondly, trade secret protection is sometimes necessary in order for companies to develop new greener, safer chemical mixtures or recipes. So if you deny them trade secret protection on the things that they research, you tend to lock yourself in to the older, current recipes. There isn't a great incentive to develop new things."
EPA is accepting comments about the issue through August 18th. And Helms says he will be urging the members of the Industrial Commission to submit comments.
