Clear Evidence of Widespread Direct Water Contamination From Fracking

Researchers have found that wastewater spills from unconventional oil production has caused widespread water and soil contamination in North Dakota.

A Duke University study has found high levels of ammonium, selenium, and lead among other toxic contaminants as well as high salts in the brine-laden waste-water. It is believed that these contaminants have predominantly come from hydraulically fractured oil wells in the Bakken region.

Avner Vengosh, professor of geochemistry and water quality at Duke’s Nicholas School of the Environment, said in a statement:

“Until now, research in many regions of the nation has shown that contamination from fracking has been fairly sporadic and inconsistent.

“In North Dakota, however, we find it is widespread and persistent, with clear evidence of direct water contamination from fracking. The magnitude of oil drilling in North Dakota is overwhelming.”

Streams that have been polluted by the waste-water have been found to contain levels of contaminants that have frequently exceeded the federal guidelines for safe drinking water or aquatic health.

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