PA To Look At Radioactivity From Marcellus Shale Drilling

01.25.13 | Sarah Harnisch

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection says it will undertake a study to look at naturally occurring levels of radioactivity in by-products associated with oil and natural gas development. In the coming weeks, DEP will seek a peer review of its study plan and begin to sample and analyze the naturally occurring radioactivity levels in flowback waters, treatment solids and drill cuttings. DEP routinely reviews radioactivity data in wastes the oil and natural gas industry and other industries generate. This study is expected to take 12 to 14 months.