Parker Waichman LLP

New Jersey Moves to Ban Fracking Wastwater from Municipal Treatment Facilities

New Jersey lawmakers have moved a step closer to banning the import of waste water from hydraulic fracturing (fracking) drilling operations in the region at any municipal water treatment facilities. According to a report at NJspotlight.com, the state’s Senate Environment and Energy Committee has unanimously approved legislation that would ban any municipal water treatment facility […]

New Jersey lawmakers have moved a step closer to banning the import of waste water from hydraulic fracturing (fracking) drilling operations in the region at any municipal water treatment facilities.

According to a report at NJspotlight.com, the state’s Senate Environment and Energy Committee has unanimously approved legislation that would ban any municipal water treatment facility from accepting waste water from fracking wells in neighboring states like New York and Pennsylvania. In those states, what to do with fracking waste water is only the latest hurdle in the struggle to regulate fracking drilling and conduct it in a somewhat safe manner.

Fracking waste water is highly toxic and common municipal treatment facilities have proven unable to remove the most dangerous elements from it. If this water is not properly treated it will likely be filtered into the public drinking water supply where it could endanger millions of people. In Pennsylvania, there is just one water treatment facility that’s able to remove the toxins from fracking waste water. Studies on the contents of fracking waste water note that it contains naturally-occurring radioactive toxins and the dangerous chemicals used during the controversial drilling process.

There are no fracking wells in New Jersey but thousands are open and active in neighboring states, meaning there is considerable volume of waste water. Each well requires hundreds of thousands of gallons of fresh water to conduct the fracking process. Most of it is rushed back to the surface once natural gas is released from underground shale. It should be collected and stored until it can be properly disposed.

Some lawmakers in New Jersey are concerned that some water treatment facilities in the state have already begun accepting waste water. They pointed to evidence from Pennsylvania’s environmental regulators that water used at wells in that state has been taken to New Jersey for treatment. Pennsylvania has struggled with what to do with its volume of fracking waste water, as has New York. Both states do not use underground injection wells, which are employed in some states where fracking activity has also boomed. Instead, they insist on taking the fluids to water treatment facilities for filtration.

This presents an added danger to an energy exploration process that many already consider dangerous and toxic. People living closest to active fracking wells complain they put a strain on natural resources, contaminate ground water and private water wells, underground aquifers, and the air surrounding them.

States and local municipalities are struggling to compensate for lax federal regulations on fracking drilling, including what to do with waste water. Federal regulations do not make any recommendations or rules on how to properly dispose of fracking waste water.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
The associates I dealt with, Shelly Davis & Christina Morace were extremely helpful and very pleasant to work with. They responded to my inquires in a timely fashion. They secured very favorable settlement.
John Ilardi
2 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
The employees at Parker Waichman were extremely knowledgeable and very helpful in resolving all matters pertaining to my case. I consulted with several members of the Parker Waichman team throughout the process and I was extremely impressed with their knowledge and genuine concern for me as an individual. I worked extensively with Benita Rollis towards the end of my case. She was extremely professional and detail oriented. She was always there to answer any question I had no matter how insignificant it may have been. I could not have done it without Benita and Parker Waichman helping me navigate this process every step of the way. I would highly recommend Parker Waichman.
Fred Raman
a year ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism , Quality , Responsiveness , Value Parker Waichman took care of everything related to my claim. My questions and calls were responded to quickly. My claim was resolved as expected. A+++
Kenneth Kohlmier
3 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038