How Industrial Pollution Occurs

 The millions of gallons of water used to “frack” a deep gas well doesn’t all remain in the ground. A great deal of it comes back to the surface with the extracted gas. As described in another article on this website, water that comes back to the surface typically includes a variety of contaminants, ranging from naturally radioactive minerals to proprietary chemicals added to create the fracking mix. This byproduct of the process is often called “produced water” or simply “waste water”. 

Studies have indicated that any waste water remaining underground may migrate through the soils and into subsurface water reserves and water wells. In addition, the impact of chemical migration into farmland may have an adverse effect on agricultural operations, further affecting food products grown and ultimately consumed by humans. Current methods for safe wastewater disposal are questionable.  At present there are several methods of managing the wastewater generated from the fracking process:

Water Impoundments - Some contaminated water is stored in open pits (also called “impoundments” or “sediment ponds”). This creates a risk of accidental or negligent spills onto the ground, as well as seepage and migration into other areas of the subsurface.   

Underground Injection - Fracking wastewater can be injected back to the subsurface into “injection wells”, which are nothing more than disposal wells. Many contend that this is one of the safest disposal methods when accomplished with appropriate safeguards, but unsafe injection practices still create a risk of soil and groundwater contamination. 

Discharge into Surface Waters – Some wastewater is sent to privately owned industrial water treatment plants, then transported to rivers and lakes for discharge. Some of these private facilities may not have the means or skill to safely remove toxins and chemicals  found in the fracking waste. In some parts of the country, wastewater is sent to municipal sewage treatment plants. These plants are not actually designed to remove pollutants, but rather just dilute the tainted water. Even when diluted, unremoved contaminants can pollute drinking water sources. 

Road Treatment: Ice & Dust: Produced water can have very high salty content. In some areas it is spread on roads for de-icing in cold climates, or for dust control on rural dirt roads and construction sites. Obviously, this practice can increase the risk of additional chemical pollutants seeping into groundwater or washing into water bodies during heavy rains. 

Cleaning and Recycling Processes– Some toxins and radioactive materials in the waters drawn out of the oil or gas well that tend to crystallize inside of oil and gas equipment and piping. Workers in the cleaning/recycling process can be exposed to these materials. Lands where the contaminated pipe is stored, cleaned or recycled can also become infected with the materials, with the potential to further contaminate both lands and nearby water sources. 

Environmental experts have identified some, but not all, of the chemicals within the “frack mix”. Some radioactive materials, both naturally occurring and technologically enhanced, have also been identified. Energy companies have not made full disclosure of the exact chemical composition of the “mix”, defining them as proprietary trade secrets. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified over one thousand different chemicals reported as part of the fracking formulas. Many are hazardous or potentially hazardous, and many studies have shown that any escape of these chemicals into the surrounding earth and water reserves can be a detriment to the environment and to public health. 

For more about industrial pollutants and potential adverse health effects, read the other free articles on this website. 

If you suspect that you have been exposed to contaminated water, air or soil that has caused illness or injury, contact our law firm immediately. We diligently investigate toxic exposure incidents with our associated teams of lawyers and experts, fighting for the rights of innocent persons who have been forever harmed by exposure to toxic pollution. We welcome you to read the several other articles on this topic available free on this website. Better yet, call us for a free consultation at 1-800-755-0245 or send an instant message through our website: http://www.puzaklaw.com. We look forward to helping you! 

IMPORTANT: Every case is unique in its facts and circumstances. This article is for general information purposes and is not intended as legal advice for any particular case. We recommend consultation with a lawyer of your choice who can perform a thorough analysis of your situation and the particular rights and remedies that may apply.

©David J. Puzak, Puzak Law Offices, LLC