Public Water Safe From Radioactivity Throughout Region
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
21 June 2011
By Timothy Puko
A battery of tests has showed no radioactive contaminants in the water
used and produced at 12 of 14 drinking water suppliers in Western
Pennsylvania, according to state environmental
regulators.
Wastewater treatment plants and drinking water suppliers performed
extra tests throughout March, reacting to media reports that questioned
whether an increase in Marcellus shale drilling
had led to the introduction of radioactive chemicals into public water.
Industry spokesmen said the negative tests are further proof this isn't
happening and that water is safe.
Of the 12 drinking water suppliers, only The Tri-County Joint Municipal
Authority in Fredericktown reported any traces of radium-228 at all,
and it was 80 percent below the maximum
amount allowed, said Katy Gresh, spokeswoman at the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection.
The department is still pursuing test results from two other suppliers,
the Carmichaels and Newell municipal authorities, she added.
"These test results are confirmation that safe, clean drinking water
and responsible shale gas development can and do coexist," said Patrick
Creighton, spokesman at the Marcellus Shale
Coalition.
Only six of the 14 drinking water plants submitted test results on
dissolved solids and other secondary contaminants.
Levels did meet pollution standards, Gresh said, noting the department
still is pursuing the other results.
The state also has asked 25 wastewater treatment plants for results,
which weren't immediately available.
Timothy Puko can be reached at tpuko@tribweb.com or 412-320-7991.