All currently available options for dealing with contaminated
wastewater from fracking are inadequate to protect human health and the
environment, but stronger federal and state protections can better
safeguard against the threats posed by this byproduct, according to a
new report from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). The report
reveals how gas companies in Pennsylvania disposed of more than 30
million gallons of wastewater last year and details the dangers
presented by the disposal methods used.
“Contaminated wastewater has long been one of our biggest concerns
about fracking, and this report confirms that current practices put both
the environment and public health at risk,” said NRDC attorney Rebecca
Hammer. “Americans shouldn’t have to trade their safe drinking water for
fuel. We need strong safeguards on the books to ensure oil and gas
companies aren’t polluting our rivers, contaminating our drinking water
or even risking man-made earthquakes when they come to frack in our
communities.”
The report, In Fracking’s Wake: New Rules Are Needed to Protect Our Health and Environment from Contaminated Wastewater,
represents one of the most comprehensive reviews to date of the
available options for disposing high-volume wastewater from fracking. It
analyzes wastewater disposal practices in Pennsylvania last year, and
provides recommendations for better protecting public health and the
environment nationwide. It was co-authored by NRDC and an independent
scientist.
