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Letter From Warren Evans To The MDEQ On Pollution Concerns
Letter From Warren Evans To The MDEQ On Pollution Concerns
Letter From Warren Evans To The MDEQ On Pollution Concerns
The expansion of the US Ecology Detroit North facility will also expose area residents to an increasing
number of dangerous liquid and solid waste materials which potentially threaten air quality from
processing emissions and water quality from its discharge to the GLWA sewerage system. Further,
expanding the capacity of this facility will also increase truck traffic and the likelihood of accidental spills
of hazardous materials along transport routes throughout Wayne County.
Fracking wastewater that is produced in Pennsylvania contains chemicals, high concentrations of salt,
heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and strontium, and radioactive elements like uranium, radium, and radon.
Pennsylvania has a unique geology containing relatively high levels of natural uranium and thorium
(according to Pennsylvanias DEP).
Fracking wastewater contains high levels of Cumene, classified as reasonably anticipated to cause
cancer by The National Toxicology Programs 13th Report on Carcinogens in 2014. Its been listed as
Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAP) by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency since 1990, so its been a
known health hazard for decades.
Cumene isnt the only health hazard associated with fracking. Diesel particulate matter, nitrogen oxides
(NOx), road dust, BTEX chemicals (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene) are all potential
pollutants associated with fracking that pose health risks. Benzene is also a known carcinogen listed by
the Report on Carcinogens. Additionally, NOx contributes to the formation of regional ozone, which
causes smog and is very harmful to the respiratory system.
Particulate matter can cause respiratory problems including coughing, airway inflammation and
worsening of existing respiratory illnesses such as asthma and COPD, and premature death.
Wayne County urges MDEQ to deny US Ecologys request for an expansion at their Georgia Street
facility.
TENORM Waste
Related to the US Ecology expansion, Wayne County has significant concerns over the potential increase,
transportation and disposal of TENORM waste.
In order to ensure the safety of our residents and the protection of our natural resources, Wayne County
urges MDEQ to fully adopt the recommendations from the Michigan TENORM Advisory Panel that
Governor Snyder appointed in 2014. In addition to the six specific recommendations from the Panel,
MDEQ should devote resources to fully explore the Areas for Future Consideration identified in the
Panels White Paper.
We understand that the Solid Waste and Sustainability Advisory Panel are currently making
recommendations for a substantial revision to Part 115 of Act 451, the Natural Resources and
Environmental Protection Act.
The recommendations from the TENORM Advisory Panel should be incorporated into State law to
provide an enforceable mechanism that will better protect the residents of Wayne County, where a
substantial amount of this waste is being hauled, processed and disposed.
The TENORM study, which began in January 2013 in Pennsylvania, developed a report based on the
study of radioactivity levels in ongoing produced and flow-back waters and brines, radon in natural gas
levels, pipe scale causing worker exposure, metal recycle concerns, treatment solids and drill cuttings,
along with transportation, storage and disposal of drilling wastes relating to DOT transport and landfill
limits. While the study found little or limited potential from radiation exposure to workers and the public,
it did conclude that there is potential radiological environmental impact from spillage and from the
potential long term disposal in landfills. The study also recommended further studies to assess the
environmental impact of all facilities in Pennsylvania that treat waste water. These results should be
taken into consideration before exposing the residents of Van Buren Township to environmental hazards.
The possibilities of leaks and spills of fracking fluid, which often contain known carcinogens (e.g.
benzene) and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, can pollute rivers, streams and groundwater and pose threat
to public health.
I would appreciate any updates and information you can provide as to the progress on these issues. I
appreciate your full consideration and trust that your Department will look beyond strict technical
compliance in its decision making processes in order to improve the quality of life for those living in
some of the most vulnerable areas of the State.
Sincerely,
Warren C. Evans
Wayne County Executive