HOUSTON – Scientists from Gradient Corp., a leading environmental risk consulting firm, will separate fact from fiction during a special presentation on hydraulic fracturing at the Houston offices of Hicks Thomas LLP. This two-part seminar, set for June 25, will help educate in-house and outside counsel on scientific developments that may affect the oil and gas industry and potential litigation. The seminar has been approved for one hour of State Bar MCLE Credit and Texas Board of Legal Specialization Credit in Civil and Oil, Gas & Mineral Law.
Gradient scientists Dr. Samuel Flewelling and Matthew Tymchak will discuss their research into the implications of hydraulic fracturing (HF) for drinking water and seismic activity. An expert on HF chemicals, Dr. Flewelling evaluated groundwater data collected by federal scientists in Pavillion, Wyo., the center of heated debate over whether chemicals from hydraulic fracturing contaminated groundwater. He also has published peer-reviewed papers on the constraints of fracture growth and potential upward migration of HF chemicals. Dr. Flewelling will present some recent work that evaluates potential HF-related risks to drinking water resources throughout the U.S. Mr. Tymchak will discuss current methods of determining the cause of earthquakes, and whether HF-related injection wells can be blamed.
The seminar at Hicks Thomas’ offices begins at noon on Wednesday, June 25. Lunch is provided. Those interested in attending may register by emailing Donna Armand at Hicks Thomas.
For more than 25 years, Gradient has used sound science and rigorous data analysis to advise its clients on environmental issues related to chemical use in the environment, the workplace and consumer products.