I have read in the Steuben Courier that Chesapeake Energy has made application to inject waste water from Pennsylvania into an abandoned gas well near Pulteney. According to the newspaper, the site is about one mile west of Keuka Lake. I have read in other sources that this waste water contains organic chemicals, including benzene. The composition of the materials used for “fracking” is not known, as the gas companies make proprietary claims on the composition.
As an organic chemist, I see two issues. First, and most important, the composition of the waste water must be open information for the public. If it contains benzene and similar compounds, it must be disposed of by other means, such as combustion. Benzene is a known carcinogen and cannot be simply pumped underground. I fear that some unsuspecting resident’s child will contract leukemia from such exposure, sooner or later.
The second issue is the underground movement of these injected wastes over decades. I doubt that studies have been conducted. I understand that the injection will be down to the 6000 foot level, “well below drinking water sources and Keuka Lake,” according to the news report. The public should ask questions, such as, “Will the waste remain stationary at 6000 feet underground?” “For how long?” “Who can be sued if the waste is found to move into drinking water over decades?” “Who will pay for the expensive cleanup of drinking water?” “Who will pay for the expensive treatment of illnesses caused by the wastes, should they migrate?” “Is anybody guaranteeing, with insurance, that these wastes will not migrate?”
I would recommend that Pennsylvania’s problems be kept in Pennsylvania. New York does not need to become a dumping ground for their problems. The people who receive money for their underground Marcellus Shale gas should absorb the wastes created.
Hickernell owns property in the Jerusalem township.
Gary L. Hickernell, PhD
Ossining, New York
Ossining, NY —
