Truck drivers say fracking waste poses hidden health risks as oversight falls short

Fracking truck drivers across Appalachia report exposure to toxic and radioactive waste materials, raising alarm over lax federal enforcement of hazardous materials transport laws.

Kiley Bense reports for Inside Climate News.

In short:

Truckers moving oil and gas waste say companies mislead them about the health risks of exposure to fracking wastewater, which may contain dangerous levels of radiation.
Advocates and workers are calling on the U.S. Department of Transportation to audit fracking waste carriers and enforce labeling, training, and emergency protocols required under federal hazardous transport laws.
The oil and gas industry defends its practices, citing adherence to regulations, while researchers and former state officials say public and worker protections remain dangerously inadequate.

Key quote:

“It's way past time for this issue to be addressed. We have grossly underestimated the risk and therefore not enacted adequate protections.”

— John Quigley, former secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Why this matters:

Fracking waste, often transported without proper labeling or safety measures, poses serious risks not only to workers but also to surrounding communities. These wastes can contain radioactive materials and toxic chemicals, yet current federal law exempts much of it from hazardous waste classification. This regulatory gap leaves truckers handling the materials with little training or protection and can lead to spills that contaminate waterways and land. The routes often cut through small towns and rural areas, where accidents or leaks may go unnoticed or unreported. Long-term exposure may contribute to chronic illnesses, while emergency responders remain in the dark about what they’re facing. These gaps in oversight reflect a broader pattern of environmental health risks tied to fossil fuel development.

EHN Senior Editor Kristina Marusic asks: Should oil and gas companies be exempt from Pennsylvania’s hazardous waste laws?

insideclimatenews.org

Truck drivers say fracking waste poses hidden health risks as oversight falls short

Disaster aid cuts raise fears of post-Katrina failures as hurricane risks grow

New Orleans children carry Hurricane Katrina’s trauma into adulthood

Local emergency alert systems often go unused, with deadly results

Democrats target Trump’s energy law as driver of rising electricity bills

Oil and gas firms press Carney to scale back climate rules as Canada weighs emissions plan update

U.S. tariffs hit Indian solar exports as domestic market faces pressure to absorb surplus

Koch-funded campaign ramps up fight against Vermont’s clean energy laws

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.