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?
