Proposed TDS Regulations Approved

Washington PA Observer Reporter
18 May 2010

The state Environmental Quality Board Monday approved new regulations on natural gas drilling wastewater and other new wastewater sources to protect the state's waterways from total dissolved solids.

The regulations are necessary to ensure drilling wastewater containing high concentrations of TDS do not pollute drinking water supplies, damage industrial equipment or endanger aquatic life, Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger said.

Several times during the last two years, TDS levels have exceeded the federal drinking water standard of 500 milligrams per liter in the Monongahela River.

The high levels led to complaints from drinking water customers about foul-smelling water and damage to laundry. Industrial users also complained of equipment damage caused by the polluted water.

High levels of TDS from coal mine discharges also were found to be a contributing factor in the fish kill on Dunkard Creek last fall when they created conditions for the growth and toxic bloom of Golden algae.

Under the new regulations, wastewater discharges from new and expanded facilities must meet a concentration threshold of 2,000 milligrams per liter. Wastewater discharges from drilling operations cannot exceed 500 milligrams per liter.

The lower standard was set for the drilling industry because drilling wastewater is heavily polluted and because drillers have options other than returning water to rivers and streams such as reusing and recycling it or injecting it deep underground.

Several states now prohibit returning any drilling wastewater to streams. The new regulations do not effect discharges from existing facilities.

The new TDS rules will now be sent to the Environmental Resources and Energy committees in the state House and Senate as well as to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission for a 30-day review period.

The environmental quality board also approved proposed rules to strengthen well construction standards and define a drilling company's responsibility for responding to gas migration issues.

The new rules will require well operators to conduct quarterly inspections of all wells and report the results to DEP.

The board also enhanced rules governing erosion, sediment control and stormwater to protect streams from the effects of new development, reduce localized flooding during heavy storms and cut sediment and nutrient pollution.