Researchers have wrapped up a three-year study of how Michigan regulators could improve oversight of the oil and natural gas development process known as hydraulic fracturing, or fracking.
The University of Michigan is releasing the final version of its analysis Wednesday. Study leader John Callewaert says hundreds of wording revisions were made in response to feedback after a draft was issued in February.
He says the analysis now includes rules adopted this year by the state Department of Environmental Quality. They require more preparation and monitoring of water levels during fracking, as well as public disclosure of chemicals used to break apart underground rock formations and release trapped oil and gas.
The study makes no policy recommendations but offers options for officials to consider.