New evidence
Over the past several years, I have written about my concerns with our water quality. This concern is based on mounting evidence developed in the science field. This is not some wild accusation based on conjecture.
Recently, I was given up-to-date research on the problems on radiation in fracking water. If you have been following my articles, you will note that I have been questioning the use of the 900 series of testing used by the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for radium 226 levels in water. I had mentioned several times that the 900 series is used in drinking water testing not in water containing high levels of total dissolved solids (TDS).
In the following column, I will relate to you what is being tested in other states and the conclusion.
Research in other states has indicated that the 900 series should not be used in water containing high levels of TDS. The alternative testing using the Gamma Spec 21 day hold is proving to be more accurate for radium 226.
First, new information from the “whistle blowers” in the EPA and DOE have stated that the 900 series is not accurate in waters containing high levels of TDS. I will allude back to the TDS readings of Clyde Mine, which are around 4,000 milligrams per liter, or mg/L (recommended level is 500 mg/L). It was also recommended by many in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as other scientists, that the 900 series of testing for Radium 226 by stopped by the year 2000.
Whistle blowers in the EPA and the Department of Energy (DOE) have recommended that the 900 series not be used in water containing high levels of TDS. This was done in the year 2000. The testing for radium 226 can be off by 100 to 1,000 times when using the 900 series test.
Professor Wendell Bradley, who has a PhD in ecology from a college in Minnesota, has been doing a study of landfills in Colorado. His conclusion states that water containing high levels of TDS can not be accurately determined using the 900 series test. The 900 series is now being used in Pennsylvania.
One must also consider in our area certain landfills are permitted to take up to 80 percent drilling wastes. One must also realize that the scaling found in the piping used in drilling and absorbent materials are also sent to these landfills, major sources of radioactive waste.
This brings me to a question that I have asked the DEP several times. How can flowback ponds on the drilling sites be considered hazardous waste, yet, when a tanker truck removes the waste water from the impound ponds, it is now considered residual waste? Can anyone explain this to me?
The evidence concludes that the technically enhanced, normally occurring radioactive materials (TENORM levels) are much higher than permitted. The TENORM levels allowed in landfills are 3 pCi/gm (picocurie per gram), yet levels of 1,293 pCi/gm have been detected entering landfills. Frack water based radiation is derived from uranium, thorium and radium.
More information on this subject can be found in an article published by Wendell Bradley entitled, “The Dangers of Fracking wastes, Is There Any Safe Way Dispose of It?”
Second, this now brings me to our area. Time and time again, the Harry Enstrom Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA), Greene County, has asked our DEP to do the Gamma Spec 21 day hold tests on the waters being discharged from our mines. Time and time again, the DEP has refused.
Only once was the Gamma Spec done and it revealed high levels of Radium 226 entering Ten Mile Creek from the Clyde Mine discharge. Thorium was also found. In both cases, the DEP had either not tested the water or not done a follow-up test for thorium. They have said they did the testing, but the test was completed when the water was at flood-stage conditions. This is highly inaccurate test results and very poor science.
I don’t know about you, but I am getting very tired of this runaround. It is time the political structure of our area step in and demand that proper testing be done on our mine discharges. If there is no problem with the discharges, then great; but if there is a problem, then take steps to fix it. Come on, you have been voted in office for the best interested of the residents. Should not every method of testing be used to prove our water safe?
I challenge the DEP and political figures to demand proper testing. If any of these people wish to address my concerns, I am available.
As always, especially during this time of the year, let us work together to protect our family, friends and neighbors. Have a blessed Christmas and a healthy New Year!