Fracking Oil Waste Water is being recycled for agricultural use.
By Eugenia M. Jarrett
I remember years ago when "greywater" was the hot topic of conversation and all the controversy of if and how it can or should be used. It became the "way of the future for irrigation" and more. Yes, when handled correctly and used daily so bacteria does not build up, there is a time and place for the benefits of "greywater". There is still a matter of concern with the recycling of the detergents and soaps etc., that are in greywater and their effects on crops and soils.
"Greywater is gently used water from your bathroom sinks, showers, tubs, and washing machines. It is not water that has come into contact with feces, either from the toilet or from washing diapers.
Greywater may contain traces of dirt, food, grease, hair, and certain household cleaning products." www.greywateraction.org
"Greywater is washwater. That is, all wastewater excepting toilet wastes and food wastes derived from garbage grinders. There are significant distinctions between greywater and toilet wastewater (called "blackwater"). These distinctions tell us how these wastewaters should be treated /managed and why, in the interests of public health and environmental protection, they should not be mixed together." www.greywater.org
However, now we are looking at recycled "fracking water", a completely different can of worms and toxins. Fracking water is the water from Hydraulic “fracking”, which is "the process of drilling and injecting fluid into the ground at a high pressure in order to fracture shale rocks to release natural gas inside."
Fracking uses an immense amount of good clean water for its process, resulting in a majority of the water staying in the earth, returning a small percentage of water (filled with fracking/oil contamination), which is then recycled for irrigation use. Since millions and millions of gallons are used for fracking, that results in millions of gallons of 'fracking oil waste water' for recycling.
Several reports have revealed that certain farms in California are using recycled "fracking oil-water" for some of their farming irrigation. It has also been indicated that using recycled oil water has been in practice under the radar for approximately 20 years,
"Headquartered in San Ramon, California, Chevron is responsible for recycling the toxic fracking wastewater, which contains more than 200 chemicals including diesel, biocides and benzene, before selling it to farmers at a fraction of the cost of fresh water.
Fresh water reportedly costs $1,500 per square foot, while recycled oil water costs a mere $33 per square foot, according to Phys.org.
The ability for oil companies to earn a profit off their wastewater, is extremely similar to the way the phosphate fertilizer industry sells their byproduct, hydrofluorosilicic acid, to be added to public drinking water."(http://www.naturalnews.com/050624_fracking_chemicals_food_crops_waste_water.html#ixzz3hlhgHSne)There is a great concern that the use of the 'recycled fracking oil waste water' carries contaminants and toxins that are dangerous to crops. Not in the growth or harvesting of the crops as much as in the nutritional and contamination levels for human consumption.
"The current treatment of waste water involves halogen containing oxidants to eliminate bacteria. But the oxidants can lead to toxic reactions, making this solution less than optimal. Instead, Barron recommends relying more on physical methods and less on chemical methods. In other words, separating the contaminants from the water rather than chemically changing them." http://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/Researchers-Call-For-New-Approach-To-Recycling-Fracking-Waste-Water.html
Fracking is a global concern as it is, with ramifications that are devastating in many ways. There are way too many points to put into one article - it would be a book. However, while the issue of 'fracking' is being dealt with, now there is the issue of irrigating crops with 'recycle oil waste'.
There seems also to be the concern that 'organic farms' have resorted to using 'recycled fracking water' for irrigation due to the drought. That is another issue that needs addressing: Is it still considered "Organic" if recycled fracking wastewater is used to water the crops? Personally, I don't think so. This is one more note that we need to add to our "Organic farming' protection checklist.
_____________________________
Eugenia Martini-Jarrett is the founder of Reconnecting To Health, promoting health and wellness through holistic, organic and natural methods for the body, mind and spirit. Eugenia is the former associate editor of the world renowned publication, "In Light Times" for over 17 years, is a writer, editor, copywriter, graphic design and artist, layout and design, journalist, photo journalist and publisher. Eugenia also holds her certification as a Reconnective Healer for over 10 years and has been an avid natural healing and wellness advocate and consultant for over 30 years.
_____________________________
