The Division of Oil and Gas is eying benzene levels in wastewater injected underground at hydraulic fracturing sites after levels of the chemical were reported 700 times over federal maximums at hundreds of wells throughout the state.

Oil and gas supervisor Steven Bohlen says he’s worried about the amount of the carcinogen in fracking wastewater, but not shocked at the findings.

“It’s not a surprise at all. It’s not to be dismissed – it is of concern, but you have to be careful about what to do with those fluids,” he said.

Bohlen also says he’s sure that the wastewater is not polluting aquifers set aside for drinking water and agriculture.

The Los Angeles Times reports samples taken at nearly 330 wells exceeded maximums.

– Anthony Pollreisz