The state Assembly passed legislation Feb. 13 that closes a loophole in New York state law that had allowed wastewater from hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, to avoid classification as hazardous waste, even if it met the criteria to be treated as such.

Bill A7013, known as the ‘Hazardous Waste Bill,’ will ensure that if the wastewater from fracking meets the criteria of hazardous material it be labeled as such. This means it will be subject to more careful reporting, transporting and proper disposal regulations.

Fracking is an intense industrial process used to free natural gas bubbles trapped in shale beds by breaking open the rock and depositing sand and chemicals to hold the fracture open. The process can have a multitude of undesirable effects, including air, noise and water pollution.

The legislation is a victory for any New York state resident concerned with issues of public health. If passed by the Senate and signed into law, provisions in the law would aid in keeping carcinogenic chemicals out of Syracuse-area watersheds.

Last year, this bill passed in the state Assembly but was stalled in the Senate. To ensure the safety of our drinking water, it is imperative New Yorkers lend their support. If you feel that our lands and waters should be protected from the adverse affects of natural gas drilling, please send that message to your state senator. 

Sincerely,

Mikala Stubley

Syracuse University

New York Public Interest Research Group, Intern 

Published on February 15, 2012 at 12:00 pm