Gas drilling in Appalachia runs into resistance: What do you do with the wastewater?

Gas drilling in Appalachia yields a foul byproduct

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Energy companies racing to unlock a huge Appalachian gas reserve are facing pressure to keep polluted drilling water out of public waterways.

Experts say the Marcellus Shale field could become the largest natural gas field in the country and the first where drilling water is widely recycled or reused. The drilling process involves blasting millions of gallons of water into the earth to break up the shale. Water treatment plants have trouble handling the particle-filled brine left over after the drilling.

Many companies are experimenting with different methods. Range Resources Corp. says it generates savings by reusing wastewater at its wells in southwestern Pennsylvania.