Kupchick Supports Bill Banning Fracking Waste in CT

From CT House Republicans: A measure in the House of Representatives which bans the importation, processing and/or treatment of hydraulic fracking waste in Connecticut was strongly supported by State Rep. Brenda Kupchick (R-132).

HB-6329, An Act Concerning Hydraulic Fracturing Waste in Connecticut, would permanently prohibit the storage, disposal, handling and use of hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) waste in Connecticut.

With Fairfield having a large piece of the Long Island Sound shoreline Rep. Kupchick is particularly worried about potentially hazardous material entering the state.

“With I-95 going right through our town the chances of fracking waste being transported in Fairfield are high. There is absolutely no reason for Connecticut to house toxic fracking waste not produced here in the state. This is of particular concern as the waste substance contains high concentrations of chemical pollutants and radioactive particles toxic to humans, animals, groundwater supplies and the environment,” said Rep. Kupchick.

Fracturing/Fracking is the process of extracting natural gas using a complex process of using toxic chemicals/explosives utilizing hydraulics and water and has been taking place in nearby Northeast states. This extraction method produces highly toxic and radioactive waste materials that must be disposed of via burial storage or possibly other methods of dispersion. Fracturing waste (also called fracking waste) contains toxic chemicals, environmental toxins, and hazardous contaminants that are known to cause multiple cancers, organ damage, and other serious health problems.

Presently, companies who drill in nearby states such as Pennsylvania and New York have not yet found a sustainable method of waste disposal and are currently resorting to shipping the fracking waste to other states for reinjection into the ground. Under current Pennsylvania law drillers are not required to disclose the chemicals they use and most consider it proprietary information. In addition to toxic chemicals, most wastewater from drilling in the Marcellus Shale contains high concentrations of salt, metals, and radioactive materials. Conventional Connecticut waste treatment facilities are also not currently equipped to properly treat the harmful fracking waste byproduct.

“In 2014, the Legislature passed Public Act 14-200, which established a moratorium on certain activities associated with storage of fracking waste in Connecticut. State Rep. Brenda Kupchick was a member of the General Assembly at that time and supported the moratorium. The moratorium lasts until DEEP adopts regulations to control fracking waste as hazardous waste. If DEEP does not adopt regulations, the moratorium remains.

The bill now moves to the State Senate for a vote, the legislative session ends on June 7th.

This bill is supported by the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters, Clean Water Action, Connecticut Chapter of the Sierra Club.

Photo courtesy of CT House Republicans