Environmental Law, Industrial Pollution

Several industries generate millions of tons of contaminated waste annually. Generated in the form of liquids, gases and solids, much of the waste product is not disposed of safely. Cancer, disabilities, birth defects and other harms caused by industrial waste contamination have been found nationwide. 

The chemically treated water used in “fracking” doesn’t all remain in the ground. Much of it comes back to the surface, unsafely disposed of in water sources or injected back into the earth.  Hazardous or potentially hazardous materials can escape into the surrounding earth and water to the detriment of humans and the environment. 

  Over one thousand different chemicals have been identified in industrial waste products along with “forever chemicals” (PFOA) and radioactive materials “NORM” and “TENORM”. Spills,  migration and unsafe disposal methods pose a significant threat to public health. 

Industrial wastewater can contain a variety of contaminants ranging from chemicals to radioactive materials. There are several methods of managing the waste products though there remains risk of migration and improper disposal. Current methods for contaminated wastewater disposal are questionable.