Pennsylvania faces scrutiny over unregulated fracking wastewater pipelines

A whistleblower and a former Pennsylvania regulator revealed that fracking wastewater pipelines, carrying toxic and radioactive waste, remain unregulated and pose serious risks to communities and the environment.

Justin Nobel reports for DeSmog.

In short:

• Pennsylvania’s fracking industry uses miles of unregulated pipelines to transport hazardous wastewater, with no state agency overseeing construction or operation.
• A 2022 pipeline spill contaminated a family’s well with radioactive waste, prompting a lawsuit and exposing regulatory failures.
• Experts warn these pipelines, often made of plastic, risk leaks that could cause long-term environmental and health damage.

Key quote:

“These are completely unregulated pipelines of toxic and radioactive shit.”

— Pennsylvania State Sen. Katie Muth

Why this matters:

Fracking wastewater pipelines transport highly toxic materials, threatening drinking water and public health. Without regulations, communities bear the burden of environmental degradation and potential health crises. Lawsuits and public pressure may be the only ways to demand accountability.

Related EHN coverage:

• Fracking may alter fat cells: Study
• Fracking chemicals “imbalance” the immune system
• Should oil and gas companies be exempt from Pennsylvania’s hazardous waste laws?