Mead ‘Disappointed’ by New EPA Pavillion Extension

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Gov. Matt Mead says he's disappointed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is taking more public comments on a report on pollution in a Wyoming gas field.

The comment period was supposed to end Tuesday and has been extended to Sept. 30. That could postpone formal expert review of the 2011 report by another eight months.

EPA findings in the Pavillion area marked the first time the federal agency linked hydraulic fracturing with a case of groundwater pollution. Fracking involves pumping water, sand and chemicals into oil and gas wells to fracture rock formations.

Mead joins Pavillion-area landowners and gas field owner Encana in saying the extension doesn't help resolve the problem. EPA officials say the extension will allow them to post more information and receive more comments on the study.