Radiation-Fracking Link Sparks Swift Reactions
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
5March 2011
By Don Hopey
Reports this week of high radiation levels in Marcellus Shale waste
fracking fluids and weak regulation of the industry have turned on a
spigot of action by federal and state officials.
U.S. Environmental Protection Administrator Lisa Jackson visited the
agency's Region III office in Philadelphia Friday to ascertain the
radiation issue will be addressed in an ongoing national study on the
drinking water impacts of hydraulic fracturing, an industrial process
used in shale gas development.
The EPA will seek data from the state Department of Environmental
Protection and the drilling industry on radioactivity in the fracking
fluid "flowback" water.
In a statement released following Ms. Jackson's meeting, the EPA said
that while the national study progresses, it "will not hesitate to take
any steps under the law to protect Americans whose health may be at
risk," including enforcement actions to ensure that drinking water
supplies are protected.
After a well is drilled, millions of gallons of water, sand and
chemical additives are pumped deep underground under high pressure to
crack the shale formation and release the gas it contains. As much as
20 percent of that fracking fluid waste returns to the surface with the
gas and contains a variety of radioactive minerals from the shale.
The New York Times reported that hydraulic fracturing
wastewater at 116 of 179 deep gas wells in the state contained high
levels of radiation and its effect on public drinking water supplies is
unknown because water suppliers are required to conduct tests of
radiation only sporadically.
A number of public water suppliers, including the Pittsburgh Water and
Sewer Authority and Pennsylvania American Water Co. said this week that
they would voluntarily test for radiation.
State Rep. Camille Bud George, D-Clearfield, announced he will
introduce legislation calling for mandatory and independent radiation
testing of all public water supplies that could potentially be affected
by Marcellus Shale drilling wastewater discharges, and requiring the
drilling and gas companies to pay for the testing.
State Sen. Jim Ferlo, D-Highland Park, renewed his call for a
moratorium on drilling and said he will introduce legislation to
toughen state Oil and Gas Act regulations on well siting around
residences and streams, and impose a severance tax on Marcellus Shale
gas production. Gov. Tom Corbett opposes such a tax.
"A moratorium is the most reasonable approach, especially in light of
recent revelations about serious threats to our drinking water supply,"
Mr. Ferlo said. "This bill provides a framework for updating and
improving regulations, as well as retaining the economic benefits of
Marcellus Shale development."
In a statement issued Thursday, the Pennsylvania Environmental Council,
one of the most mainstream of the state's environmental organizations,
called on Mr. Corbett to drop plans to open more of the state's forests
and parks to Marcellus gas drilling.
Don Hopey: dhopey@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1983.