Water Study in PA Shows Minimal Impact from Drilling Operations
Tags: Pennsylvania, Wastewater
A recent study by the Proceedings of the National Academies of Sciences concluded that Pennsylvania’s waterways show little evidence of damage from chemical spills from oil and gas operations. The Associated Press reports that the study covered almost 5,000 gas drilling sites around the state. The study noted a 5 percent increase in suspended solids downstream of drilling operations, but the study did not determine the source of the increased suspected solids, which are often associated with runoff from development. The study also noted a 10 percent increase in chloride levels downstream from plants accepting wastewater.