Fracking wastewater ban bill advances

TRENTON – The Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee released a bill today 5-1 that seeks to keep hydraulic fracturing waste out of New Jersey.

A575 prohibits from New Jersey the treatment, discharge, disposal, or storage of any wastewater resulting from hydraulic fracturing for the purpose of natural gas exploration or production in any state.

The committee heard a wealth of testimony from a spillover crowd regarding a controversial drilling practice that has been embraced in Pennsylvania but has raised concerns in other states.

The bill has numerous sponsors led by Assembly members Connie Wagner, (D-38), Paramus, and Reed Gusciora, (D-15), Trenton.

Wagner said amendments today would add solids and other byproducts to the measure.

“Millions of gallons of water and tons of debris become contaminated due to the process,’’ she said, adding that last year, Pennsylvania disposed of more than 30 million gallons of wastewater.

“We must not let the wastewater in until the gas companies get it right.’’

Bill opponents included the N.J. Chamber of Commerce, N.J. Business and Industry Association and the N.J. Petroleum Council who stressed the potential economic benefits of shale gas exploration, what they believe is the adequacy of the existing regulatory structure, and the fact that “fracking” is consistent with both President Obama’s and Gov. Christie’s energy plans.

Sara Bluhm of the NJBIA said, “We do think this is an area of opportunity for economic growth.  We’re looking at ways to grow jobs.’’

But committee member Scott Rudder, (R-8), Medford, summarized one of the problems in the debate.

“I’m frustrated by the dueling facts,’’ he said, explaining that he’s received conflicting reports from “fracking’’ opponents and supporters regarding whether shipments have entered the state.

Bill supporters included the N.J. Sierra Club, Environment N.J., Food and Water Watch, and Delaware Riverkeeper Network who pointed out New Jersey facilities are not equipped or designed to test for the more than 600 chemicals resulting from “fracking.”

Jeff Tittel of the N.J. Sierra Club said waste has been coming in to the state, and credited Riverkeeper Network, which showed that Pa. waste haulers have to certify to that state’s officials where they are transporting it.

Tracy Carluccio of Delaware Riverkeeper Network said facilities in Carteret and Kearny have received shipments.  “We found a lot of solids were coming into New Jersey,’’ she said.

Rudder, citing the conflicting information on the issue and the permanent nature of the proposed ban, voted no. He said he wanted to visit the sites in Pennsylvania where the process is occurring to see for himself.