Aquifer staffer addresses fracking rumors

District Senior Hydrologist and Aquifer Science Team Leader Brian Smith of the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District presented a study finding to board members Thursday, briefing them on the hydrological analysis associated with the Electro Purification wells headed to Hays County. Besides the findings, however, Smith also addressed rumors of acid fracking. He said the district has heard that plans to use the technique are in the works for Electro Purification because the company is trying to figure out ways to pump more water out of its seven wells. At the rates it is currently projecting, wells would pump 2.47 million gallons per day, but the company’s contracts are for 5.3 million. “So they’re either going to need more production out of these wells, more wells, or both,” Smith said. Acid fracking is a way to get more production. Much of it would be neutralized when the acid comes into contract with the limestone, but Smith was concerned about the activity occurring in a karst aquifer.