Drilling Down on Fracking and Wastewater Radiation
In a story on February 27th, The New York Times reported that 116 of 179 wells in Pennsylvania's Marcellus shale had high levels of radiation in wastewater samples. The radiation was to have been picked up by water used to hydraulically fracture the deep shale layer and release the natural gas it holds.
As one would expect, the article drew the attention of opponents of the hydraulic fracturing process and was disseminated widely in the French and German Press.
However, independent observers were quick to point out the inaccuracies that often accompany science and environmental reporting.
Results of testing conducted in December and January by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) reported “all samples showed levels at or below the normal naturally occurring background levels of radioactivity.”
Of the results, acting DEP secretary Michael Krancer says: “Here are the facts: all samples were at or below background levels of radioactivity; and all samples showed levels below the federal drinking water standard for Radium 226 and 228.”
Energy In Depth, a producer organization, has undertaken an extensive review of the NY Times article, in Third Times the Charm (Read HERE).
Proponents of shale gas drilling in Europe have acknowledged that should drilling activities proceed, levels of environmental safety will exceed those demonstrated in the United States. This is not only because of stricter environmental regulation, but public scrutiny will compel explorers to take the extra measures.
In addition, companies are facing increased pressure to to take more account of environmental issues as a result of investor resolutions. The Financial Times reports that this is year’s round of proxy voting at US companies’ annual meetings saw 96 environmental resolutions filed by shareholders.
One of these resolutions called upon El Paso Corp, the natural gas group, to report how it was mitigating the environmental impact of fracking used in gas production.