In a December report, the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality concluded that fracking is likely not to blame for water problems in the Pavillion area. The Environmental Protection Agency, in public comments on the report, questions that conclusion.
The federal agency points out that fracking has occurred within several hundred vertical feet of water sources and that available data suggests some oil and gas wells may have structural problems.
The state's report also concluded that many of the water quality problems may be due to naturally occurring minerals and gases. The EPA says there is little empirical evidence to back that up and recommends that the state qualify its conclusion.
The DEQ says it is currently in the process of reviewing the 34 public comments received in response to the draft report.
"Keep in mind that this is a Draft Report and all comments received will be given due consideration and a response," said spokesman Keith Guille.