A study released today by the Environmental Working Group found that wastewater from hundreds of hydraulic fracturing operations in California was contaminated with a toxic brew of chemicals that can cause cancer, neurological and reproductive harm. Researchers examined data collected by the State and found that some of the wastewater is being illegally injected into protected aquifers in the Central Valley. Recently the state closed down 23 of the disposal wells, but the State’s records show that there could be hundreds more that could pose problems in the Valley’s aquifers. Oil and gas extraction using the controversial technique known as fracking is expanding in the state, especially in Kern County. Pacifica’s Vic Bedoian reports from Fresno.