Wind River Basin

[1][2] The basin contains a sequence of 10,000–12,000 feet (3,000–3,700 meters) of predominantly marine sediments deposited during the Paleozoic and Mesozoic Eras.

[5][6] [7] This contamination, linked to chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing, extends to the entire Wind River Basin's groundwater.

[5][6][7] Contrary to industry assurances about the safety of water wells in the area,[8] the study's conclusions are drawn from an exhaustive analysis of data, including the levels of methanol and diesel compounds.

Furthermore, the research highlights a concerning upward flow of groundwater in the basin, a factor that raises alarms about the possibility of long-term contamination migrating closer to the surface.

[5] This new evidence contradicts earlier conclusions from the EPA and state regulators, who had previously downplayed the impact of fracking on water resources.