Shale Energy Law Blog

U.S. Coast Guard Considering Industry's Transport of Wastewater via Barge

Drilling companies have made inquiries to the United States Coast Guard to clarify whether bulk transport of hydraulic fracturing wastewater is permitted on rivers and lakes.  Industry officials say this is the cheapest, safest way to transport wastewater. Environmentalists, however, cite concerns over a shipping accident that could cause widespread pollution of rivers, lakes and potentially drinking water.
Some companies have already invested in barge transloading facilities along the Ohio River, such as GreenHunter Water, LLC’s facility in New Matamoras, Ohio.  The Coast Guard plans to publish its proposal on transporting wastewater in the Federal Register.