PA DEP Shoots SWPA Drillers First, Asks Questions Later

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is investigating the source of unusually high levels of total dissolved solids, or TDS, detected at points along approximately 70 stream miles on the Monongahela River beginning at the West Virginia border to the confluence with the Youghigheny River. Test results indicate levels of up to 852 milligrams per liter which exceed the allowable 500mg/l.

To immediately address elevated TDS levels, DEP is directing all sewage treatment plants accepting gas well drilling wastewater, and which discharge to the Monongahela River or its tributaries, to drastically reduce the volume of gas well drilling wastewater they accept to one percent of their daily flow. Currently gas well drilling wastewater constitutes up to 20 percent of those plants daily flow. The restrictions will reduce the volume of drilling wastewater treated by 90 to 95 percent. The restrictions will remain in place until the levels of TDS fall below the 500 milligram per liter standard.

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