EPA Seeks Wastewater Disposal Data from Pennsylvanian Gas Drillers

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has directed six natural gas drillers to disclose details of their drilling process water disposal in Pennsylvania, US.

The EPA is working in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) to ensure that natural gas production takes place safely and responsibly.

The EPA took this action following the PADEP’s request for drillers to voluntarily stop taking wastewater to Pennsylvania’s wastewater treatment plants by 19 May 2011.

The companies must report back with information about the disposal or recycling of their drilling process water to the EPA by 25 May.

PADEP must also notify the EPA when facilities accept hydraulic fracturing wastewater so that the EPA can assess if a pre-treatment programme or additional permit limits are needed.