hydraulic fracturing chemicals to the surface, the potential mishandling of waste, and the resulting effects on health such as an increased rate of cancer and related environmental contamination. While gas drilling companies are reluctant to reveal the proprietary substances in the fluid, the list of additives for hydraulic fracturing includes kerosene, benzene, toluene, xylene, and formaldehyde. It has been predicted that exposure to chemicals in hydraulic fracturing fluid will increase as gas wells using this technology proliferate. In April 2011, the Ground Water Protection Council (GWPC) launched FracFocus.org, an online voluntary disclosure database for hydraulic fracturing fluids. The site is funded by oil and gas trade groups and the DOE. The site has been met with some skepticism relating to proprietary information that is not included, although Heather Zichal, former advisor to President Barack Obama, said of the database: “As an administration, we believe that FracFocus is an important tool that provides transparency to the American people.” At least five states, including Colorado and Texas, have mandated fluid disclosure and incorporated FracFocus as the tool for disclosure. As of March 2013, FracFocus had more than 40,000 searchable well records on its site. The FracTracker Alliance, a non-profit organization, provides oil and gas-related data storage, analyses, and online and customized maps related to hydraulic fracturing. Their website, FracTracker.org, also includes a photo library and resource directory. EPA hydraulic fracturing study In 2010 Congress requested that EPA undertake a new, broader study of hydraulic fracturing. The report was released in 2015. The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of hydraulic fracturing on the water supply, specifically for human consumption. The research aims to examine the full scope of the water pathway as it moves through the hydraulic fracturing process, including water that is used for the construction of the wells, the fracturing mixture, and subsequent removal and disposal. Fundamental research questions include: How might large volume water withdrawals from ground and surface water impact drinking water resources? What are the possible impacts of releases of flowback and produced water on drinking water resources? What are the possible impacts of inadequate treatment of hydraulic fracturing wastewaters on drinking water resources? The EPA Science Advisory Board (SAB) reviewed the study plan in early March 2011. In June 2011, EPA announced the locations of its five retrospective case studies, which will examine existing hydraulic fracturing sites for evidence of drinking water contamination.