Scientists suspect fracking contaminated this Pennsylvania town’s wells

Scientists Suspect Fracking Contaminated Pennsylvania Town's Wells In the summer of 2022, John Stolz, a Duquesne University professor, received a phone call from the Center for Coalfield Justice, an environmental nonprofit in southwestern Pennsylvania. They asked for his help investigating strange odors and discoloration in well water in New Freeport, a small town in Greene County. Residents had noticed their pets refusing to drink the water, raising concerns about its safety. Stolz, who has been testing water for signs of pollution from fracking for over 10 years, agreed to investigate. He and his colleagues conducted tests on the affected wells, which revealed high levels of contaminants typically associated with fracking operations. The results suggest that drilling fluids used in the fracking process may have escaped their intended path and contaminated the town's wells. "We found elevated levels of salts, metals, and other compounds that are commonly linked to fracking," Stolz said. "It's a classic case of frac-out, where the drilling fluids end up somewhere they shouldn't be." Frac-outs occur when drilling fluids used in hydraulic fracturing operations escape their intended path and contaminate nearby water sources or surface areas. This can happen through abandoned wells, faulty equipment, or human error. New Freeport's experience is not an isolated incident. Frac-outs have been reported in several other Pennsylvania towns, raising concerns about the safety of fracking operations and the potential for long-term environmental damage. "This is a wake-up call for policymakers and regulators," said Rachel Filu, executive director of the Center for Coalfield Justice. "We need to take a closer look at how we're regulating fracking operations and ensure that communities are protected from these types of incidents." The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has launched an investigation into the matter, but no official statement has been released. Stolz's findings have sparked renewed debate about the risks associated with fracking. While some argue that fracking can be done safely, others point to incidents like New Freeport as evidence of its potential dangers. "The science is clear: fracking poses significant environmental and health risks," said Dr. Anthony Ingraffea, a Cornell University professor who has studied the impacts of fracking. "We need to transition away from fossil fuels and towards cleaner energy sources." As the investigation continues, residents of New Freeport remain concerned about their water quality and the potential long-term effects on their health. "We just want clean drinking water," said one resident, who wished to remain anonymous. "We don't want our kids growing up with contaminated wells." The incident highlights the need for more stringent regulations and monitoring of fracking operations to prevent frac-outs and protect communities from environmental harm. In related news, a recent study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology found that frac-outs can have lasting impacts on local ecosystems, including changes to water chemistry and increased levels of toxic substances. The study's authors recommend stricter regulations and more frequent monitoring of fracking operations to mitigate these risks. As the investigation into New Freeport continues, residents remain vigilant, demanding answers about their contaminated wells and the potential long-term effects on their health and environment. *Reporting by Motherjones.*