usoilandgasinvestments O&G Waste Water Used for De-Icing Roads? Recently, I read an article that stated: “Waste water from Hydraulic Fracking is used in New York to de-ice roads. The organization Riverkeeper warns that this practice is a threat to waterways. In addition to a salty mix of minerals, the fracking water and brine can also contain harmful substances.” When I first read this, my jaw dropped. I could hardly believe that any public entity or politician for that matter, would be willing to venture out on slippery ice that slopes right into major controversy! However, they seem to be somewhat safe because for the most part, it appears to be a hushed little detail that very few in the mainstream media are reporting on. Most information on it is provided by conservationists in protest. So, if I have this straight, New York has dodged the fracking bullet by putting the concept under study for three years, but they are willing to spread fracking waste water on their roads for de-icing……. Funny how something can be so bad until it is discovered to save money. Other resources indicate that O&G brine water used on New York roads largely comes from some of the 6,000 low-volume gas wells currently allowed there, as well as some in Pennsylvania. New York recycles the water for de-icing, dust control and road stabilization. The interesting thing is that this type of application can pollute rivers, streams and aquifers. The waste water contains chloride, benzene and toluene, all of which can cause health problems in humans. But, the brine made for de-icing roads also has chloride. Not to mention, consider how much natural water they are adding salt to for making a brine to de-ice roads! Then, add on top of that a winter like this years and we are talking a lot of salty water washing into fields and waterways! Good old Oklahoma is doing the same thing. I don’t have first hand verification of this, but my understanding is that they are spreading it on roads and fields. In Ohio, an energy company is taking a more politically correct approach to using well waste water from conventionally drilled wells for the purpose of de-icing roads. They are ahead of the curve and have developed technology to manufacture a noteworthy road de-icer from O&G well produced brine. The company created a system, which has received approval from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for use as a de-icer and dust suppressant. They process the seawater to acceptable water standards except for the salt content, into a de-icer that is used by snow removal contractors and municipalities in Ohio. This approach also reduces the amount of rock salt and chlorides going into Ohio’s sewers, streams and lakes by 40 percent. They estimate that every gallon of naturally occurring brine that is re-purposed displaces a gallon of fresh water that is used to make brine for use on icy roads. I love this creativity. But, just thinking out loud here, what’s the difference between spilling brine water at a well site or spreading it on roads where it is eventually washed into the creeks and streams? One of the key ways the EPA looks for a spills around a well site is by looking for areas where the grass doesn’t grow. So, how is it that frac waste water or brine water spread on roads is really that much different? Is this one of those wink and nod deals? If it saves government money it’s ok. But, if the EPA can make money with fines for spills around well sites, then it isn’t ok? Just sayin…..
Posted on: Tue, 28 Jan 2014 15:37:21 +0000