The scrutiny continues: The USEPA Office of Inspector General recently announced its FY 2012 Annual Plan. As stated on USEPA's webpage, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) is an "independent office within the EPA that helps the Agency protect the environment in a more efficient and cost effective manner." Basically, the OIG conducts audits, evaluations, inspections and investigations related to EPA programs. The 2012 Annual Plan lists a "special review" carry over assignment from 2011 related to "Oversight of Hydraulic Fracturing Impact on Water Resources". A new assignment for 2012 relates to "EPA's Protection of Human Health and the Environment From the Effects of Hydraulic Fracturing".