In Fracking’s Wake - New Rules Are Needed to Protect Our Health and Environment from Contaminated Wastewater

2012-08

This report combines an evaluation of federal and state laws regulating fracking wastewater with a thorough review of the outcomes. Compiled for NRDC by an independent scientist, the report details health and environmental risks posed by this high-volume waste stream and currently available treatment and disposal methods. It finds that currently available options are inadequate in protecting human health and environmental standards, but that stronger safeguards at the state and federal levels could better mitigate the risks associated with this waste. The most significant of the policy changes needed now are (a) closing the loophole in the federal law that exempts hazardous oil and gas waste from treatment, storage, and disposal that is required for other hazardous waste, and (b) improving regulatory standards for wastewater treatment facilities and the level of treatment required before being discharged into bodies of water.

 

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