Letter to the editor: Action needed on toxic wastewater

A Dec. 21 Penn State webinar, “Natural Gas in the Appalachian Basin,” discussed the Marcellus and Utica shale gas. Nothing was said about managing wastewater produced from fracking, or other dangers of gas. It was said gas is needed to provide constant electricity.

After storms damaged Hawaiian electricity, the island of Kaua’i formed its own independent utility, the Kaua’i Island Utility Cooperative, using electricity from solar panels with battery storage. This island became independent of electricity produced by burning fossil fuels. Their costs for electricity are lower than those dependent on fossil fuels.

Many costs of fossil gas are not discussed by the industry. One important cost is the toxic, radioactive wastewater produced. On Dec. 11, workers handling these wastes spoke with Pennsylvania Sen. Katie Muth and others, after sharing their experience with Joshua Pribanic of the Public Herald. The men reported immediate illness after exposure to toxic fumes. No doubt they may suffer other adverse effects which will appear in years.

Take a broader view. Stop these injuries now.

Dr. Barbara W. Brandom

Highland Park