SHIP: Water quality and hydraulic fracturing: new studies - ongoing discussion.
A recent modeling study focuses on the Marcellus Shale in Pennsylvania and estimates the effect of shale gas wells and the release of treated shale gas waste by permitted treatment facilities on observed downstream concentrations of chloride (Cl-) and total suspended solids (TSS).
Results suggest that the treatment of shale gas waste by treatment plants in a watershed raises downstream Cl- concentrations. This indicates that surface water disposal of treated waste from shale gas wells could represent a potentially important water quality burden. The presence of shale gas wells in a watershed raises downstream TSS concentrations.
According to the study, however, the particular mechanisms through which shale gas infrastructure may increase TSS in local water bodies are unclear. The authors suggest that their results could inform future voluntary measures taken by shale gas operators, and the policy approaches taken by regulators to protect surface water quality.