US EPA bans fracking wastewater disposal at Pennsylvania public sewage plants

US EPA bans fracking wastewater disposal at Pennsylvania public sewage plants

Friday, June 17, 2016 by Katie Woods

StateImpact Pennsylvania reports that all horizontal fracking wastewater is now banned from being disposed of at public sewage plants (publicly owned treatment facilities). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized the rule June 13.

Previously, fracking wastewater was voluntarily removed from Pennsylvania sewage plants since 2011.

The rule intends to prevent contaminants like heavy metals, chemical additives and salt from fracking into public water systems.

More about wastewater:

Pennsylvania DEP plans to impose restrictions on wastewater at drilling sites — May 21, 2016
Environmental groups sue US EPA over drilling waste disposal rules — May 7, 2016
Fracking wastewater won’t be transported on Ohio River barges — Feb. 27, 2016

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Shale FAQ

What are mineral rights?

Mineral rights are the rights of the owner of the property to mine or produce any resources below the surface of the property. Mineral rights are different from surface rights.

Will I get free natural gas if I allow fracking on my property?

Maybe. It depends on your particular lease agreement. Some companies allow property owners a yearly free gas allowance. But, the process of connecting your property to the gas source may be more complicated. Some companies will provide a hookup, others require the landowner to provide one.

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