LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP (to Conclusions)
Thursday, December 3rd, 2009 | 6 Comments
Release of New EPA Report on Dunkard Creek Forces Pittsburgh Post-Gazette to Do About Face on Marcellus Shale
FLASHBACK: PA Marcellus Committee: “It is irresponsible and premature to speculate on the source or sources contributing to the aquatic condition of Dunkard Creek. The situation with the Dunkard Creek is unfortunate and deserves a thorough and proper investigation of possible causes. Why the Marcellus Shale industry is even mentioned in this article when there has not been Marcellus drilling activity anywhere near the upper reaches of Dunkard Creek where the algae was found is unwarranted and completely mischaracterizes the situation.” (10/6/09)
POST-GAZETTE THEN …
Sudden death of ecosystem ravages long creek
By Don Hopey
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Sept. 20, 2009
“But state and federal investigators are confounded because the … site contains extremely high total dissolved solids … properties found in wastewater from Marcellus Shale gas well drilling operations but not mine water. Total dissolved solids may include metals, salts and other elements.
“Marcellus Shale well drilling water contains about 100 chemicals added to reduce friction, eliminate algae growth and perform other functions when water is pumped underground under pressure to fracture the shale and release natural gas.”
Toxics tied to fish kill may have hitchhiked
By Don Hopey
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Oct. 4, 2009
“An invasive toxic algae, blamed for contributing to the massive Dunkard Creek fish kill along the Pennsylvania-West Virginia border, may have hitchhiked to the region aboard equipment used in Marcellus shale drilling.
“The investigation continues to focus on extremely high levels of dissolved solids and chloride found in discharges from two Consol Energy mine-water treatment facilities on the creek, and low flow conditions — possibly acerbated by tanker trucks that local residents have said they often saw withdrawing water from the creek.”
Drilling water may be cause of fish kill
By Don Hopey
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Oct. 14, 2009
“The Pennsylvania [DEP] said its stream sampling shows discharges high in dissolved solids and chlorides from the Blacksville No. 2 Mine are the “primary immediate source” of the fish kill that last month wiped out aquatic life on 35 miles of Dunkard Creek along the Pennsylvania-West Virginia border.”
POST-GAZETTE NOW …
Feds: Mine discharges led to algae that killed creek life
By Don Hopey
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Dec. 2, 2009
“A new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency report blames a September bloom of toxic golden algae for wiping out almost all fish, mussels, salamanders and aquatic life on 43 miles of Dunkard Creek along the Pennsylvania-West Virginia border.
“The EPA also confirmed that its recent stream survey found golden algae on Whiteley Creek, the watershed just north of Dunkard Creek in Greene County. No fish kills have been reported on Whiteley Creek, which also has high concentrations of total dissolved solids or TDS. The survey found no golden algae in 10 other streams or the Monongahela River.”
Key Excerpts from EPA’s Report
• We now know that a substantial bloom of the golden algae Prymnesium parvum was present in Dunkard Creek at the time of the kill. This identification has been confirmed by experts from North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and Oklahoma. This saltwater alga produces a potent toxin that is capable of killing fish, mussels, and salamanders. This toxin affects gill breathing organisms and is not toxic to humans, waterfowl, or livestock
• Given what has been seen in other states and the etiology of this kill, we believe the toxin from this algae bloom led to the kill of fish, mussels, and salamanders on Dunkard Creek.
• The situation in Dunkard Creek should be considered a chronic exposure since chloride levels were elevated above the criteria for long periods of time.
• Many natural and anthropogenic vectors can spread the algae (birds, fishermen, industrial equipment, etc.) As the algae spreads, any stream with high ionic strength in excess of 750 uS could be at risk for a P. parvum bloom and associated fish kill.
READ MORE
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- Graphic: What’s In Frac Fluids?
- Browner Memo: Letter of Support for Hydraulic Fracturing from Carol Browner, Fmr. EPA Administrator
- Fact Sheet: HF Opponents Say the Darndest Things
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6 Responses
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