YUKON, Pa.—In western Pennsylvania, a pipe releases treated wastewater into Sewickley Creek from a landfill managing toxic industrial waste, including oil and gas drilling byproducts.
New signs on the shore warn of hazardous discharges at this site. The landfill has been noncompliant with the Clean Water Act and RCRA since 2023.
Researchers found radioactivity downstream of the landfill, linked to oil and gas waste intake during Pennsylvania’s fracking boom. John Stolz from Duquesne University advised against swimming or fishing in the affected water, echoing concerns in the EPA’s impaired water classification.
The 160-acre Max Environmental Technologies landfill faces criticism for its health impacts on Yukon residents, who report increased cancer rates and respiratory issues. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency data ranks Yukon above average for health problems.
Max Environmental’s problems reflect a broader crisis, with Pennsylvania’s natural gas production generating vast waste. The state reported 929,216 tons of solid waste in 2023, predominantly sent to landfills.
The site faces challenges from its industrial waste management and the regulatory exemptions granted to oil and gas waste. This has resulted in complex issues of pollution and noncompliance.
Despite management changes under Altus Capital Partners, violations persist. The EPA issued consent orders for operational improvements, citing ongoing compliance issues with hazardous waste treatment processes.
Radioactive materials have been detected 34 times since 2021 but are typically allowed due to exemptions. TENORM is a significant environmental concern, with radium-226 levels notably increased downstream.
Stolz emphasizes the permanence of radioactivity concerning the Marcellus shale, renowned for its radioactivity. Sewickley Creek’s pollution extends to broader ecological impacts.
Residents’ legal action against Max Environmental highlighted ongoing air pollution and property damage. The settlement offered limited compensation, despite ongoing concerns about fracking waste management.
As Pennsylvania continues to address contamination from historical industries, fracking waste remains a pressing issue needing vigilant regulation and public health assessment.
Original Story at insideclimatenews.org