WVU Fracking Study Reccomendations
Morgantown Dominion Post
27 June 2014
By David Beard
The fracking study by three WVU researchers, titled “Practical
measures for reducing the risk of environmental
contamination in shale energy production,” contains 10
recommendations:
* On-site containment in case of a well blowout or
massive fluid leak.
* Blowout preventers to bring any uncontrolled fluid release
under control quickly.
* Wellbore integrity pressure tests before fracking fluid
injection.
* Waste transportation plans as a required and enforceable
component of the well ’s permit.
* Solid waste characterization studies in order to identify
inorganic, organic and radioactive contaminants.
* Better training for regulatory and industry field
inspectors to significantly improve the design and construction of
storage pits and impoundments for liquid waste.
* Air monitors and sound meters at sensitive locations,
connected to a central monitoring station.
* Route traffic away from residences where possible, use
better wetting agents to reduce peak dust exposures, and stage
traffic to reduce both diesel exhaust concentrations and noise.
* Characterization of the source of airborne contaminants in
order to effectively manage emissions.
* Require placement of continuous monitoring instruments
near sensitive locations for feedback and process control at drill
sites for air, light and noise.
Co-author John Quaranta, assistant professor of environmental
engineering at the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and
Mineral Resources, noted that the industry and regulatory agencies
are already incorporating some of their recommendations.
“We’re seeing more inspection guidelines,” he said, “more training
opportunities for regulatory personnel and industry field
inspectors, and better emergency management protocols are being
put i* place. Our recommendations are already having an
impact.”