Home / Environment / Ohio's Secret: Radioactive Brine Threatens Water
Ohio's Secret: Radioactive Brine Threatens Water
30 Jul
Summary
- Radioactive fracking wastewater is surfacing near Marietta, Ohio.
- Ohio permits more injection wells, importing brine from other states.
- Officials fear contamination of drinking water for 32,000 residents.
Hundreds of millions of gallons of radioactive fracking wastewater are being injected underground in Ohio, with fears that this brine is now spurting to the surface near Marietta. This situation poses a significant threat to the drinking water source for 32,000 residents.
Ohio has permitted over 240 injection wells, far more than neighboring states, becoming a major hub for the disposal of oil and gas wastewater. Much of this brine originates out of state, with Pennsylvania exporting a large portion of its fracking waste to Ohio.
Residents and officials were largely unaware of their role in this toxic waste market until recently. The brine, laden with radioactive materials and hazardous chemicals, is increasingly showing signs of migration, as evidenced by fluid erupting from traditional oil and gas wells.
Concerns are amplified by increased seismic activity in Washington County, interpreted as a sign that underground formations containing billions of gallons of waste may be fracturing. Local officials are calling for an immediate halt to injection well operations near public drinking water sources.
