Shale Drillers Eager to Move Wastewater on Barges – December 19, 2012

Industry says it’s the safest and cheapest way to move wastewater. Environmentalists counter that the possibility of a spill means it isn’t worth the risk

The shale gas drilling industry wants to move its wastewater by barge on rivers and lakes across the country. But the US Coast Guard, which regulates the nation’s waterways, must first decide whether it’s safe.

Photo by Darrell Sapp / Post-GazetteThe "Vulcan" towboat and its load pass the Point on the Ohio River in a redish fog, highlighted by
the sunrise. The Vulcan beongs to the Consol Energy fleet.

“It may be hazardous,” said Commander Michael Roldan, chief of the Coast Guard’s Hazardous Material Division, stressing the word ‘may.’ “If it is, it would not be allowed to ship under bulk.”

Right now,… more

by: Emily DeMarco

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