Those Looking for Geoscience input

[Stewy]

(08-08-2024, 03:25 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: In the region that I live (SE Ohio) we currently have 3 counties with fracking waste fluid that was pumped into the ground. There is a lawsuit naming several defendants (drilling companies) that will likely drag on for quite some time. I was just curious as to how that material was supposed to be dealt with.

Drilling fluids and frac'ing fluids are handled differently and usually different companies.  They specialize.  In Appalachia, there might be more consolidation.  

To answer the question, disposal is usually done in deep non-aquifer reservoirs.  It is the standard practice, but varies by region and is subject to local/state regulations.  All common methods are as follows as quoted from the NRDC website: ( https://www.nrdc.org/press-releases/report-five-primary-disposal-methods-fracking-wastewater-all-fail-protect-public )  Treatment and recycling is also common.  

Quote:The five most common disposal options for fracking wastewater currently in use are: recycling for additional fracking, treatment and discharge to surface waters, underground injection, storage in open air pits, and spreading on roads for ice or dust control. All of these options present significant risks of harm to public health or the environment. And there are not sufficient rules in place to ensure any of them will not harm people or ecosystems.

I would say that if they are getting sued for in ground disposal, then they are either doing it incorrectly/negligently or the lawsuit is baseless and some lawyer trying to make money on a class action suit.  However, it would not surprise me if they have not been following local regulations in regard to disposal to save money.