Filed at 8:01 p.m. EST
HOUSTON (AP) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued an emergency order accusing a Texas gas driller of contaminating an aquifer.
The EPA's letter Tuesday gave Range Resources of Forth Worth 48 hours to provide clean drinking water to affected residents and begin taking steps to resolve the problem.
EPA's regional director says the order was issued because he felt the Texas Railroad Commission wasn't responding quickly enough to contamination found in two water wells belonging to Parker County residents in North Texas. Range also must determine if there are other wells and families impacted by the contamination.
The EPA began inspecting wells in August after receiving complaints from residents. It found explosive methane and other contaminants, including cancer-causing benzene.
Messages seeking comment were left with the company and the Railroad Commission.