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A New Threat

There is a new threat on the horizon that could affect Connecticut as well as any state in the U.S. that has not put laws in place for restrictions on the storage or processing of fracking waste. Currently, fracking waste—the residue of chemicals and in some cases radioactive waste from the process of fracking shale to extract oil and gas—are being shipped anywhere that will accept it. Pennsylvania in particular is filled with fracked wells and is actively looking for states on which to unload this toxic soup.

Our state is on the path for permitting the storage, transfer, and treatment of toxic, radioactive fracking waste. This waste also can be used on roads as deicer or mixed with construction fill. Other states are being contaminated by thousands of accidents, leaks, spills, illegal disposal, runoff, and leaching into waterways and aquifers used for drinking water. Fracking waste tanker and dump trucks are crowding and damaging roadways.

The current Connecticut state moratorium on fracking waste disposal does not ban the same toxic and radioactive waste that is produced throughout the life of the well after it is fracked. Wells generate many millions of “produced water” along with the oil and gas.

Currently, our state government not yet been supportive of a stronger moratorium, much less a permanent ban. The Department of Energy & Environmental Protection directorship is a political appointment that changes with every new governor. The original ban that was proposed to the state was rejected, weakened, and turned into a leaky, temporary scheme to silence the wave of outrage five years ago.

I encourage your readers to come to the Henry Carter Hull community room on Thursday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m. to attend an informational meeting led by Jennifer Siskind.

Paul Neri and Eileen O’Donnell

Clinton