Environmental Advocates of New York Commends US EPA for Setting Standards for Fracking Waste Disposal

ALBANY, NY (10/20/2011)(readMedia)-- In response to the announcement that the United States Environmental Protection Agency plans to set a national standard for the disposal of toxic fracking wastewater, Environmental Advocates of New York released the following statement:

"Environmental Advocates of New York commends the U.S. EPA for announcing plans to set a national standard for the disposal of toxic fracking wastewater. In doing so, the agency recognizes the lack of consistent standards to protect the nation's waters and wastewater infrastructure from industrial gas drilling.

Governor Cuomo and the Department of Environmental Conservation should act now to prohibit New York's aging sewage plants from accepting wastes these facilities cannot--and were never meant to--treat. Only by prohibiting New York's sewage plants from accepting fracking wastes can we ensure that our waters and wastewater infrastructure are protected."

Environmental Advocates of New York's mission is to protect our air, land, water and wildlife and the health of all New Yorkers. Based in Albany, we monitor state government, evaluate proposed laws, and champion policies and practices that will ensure the responsible stewardship of our shared environment. We work to support and strengthen the efforts of New York's environmental community and to make our state a national leader. Visit www.eany.org to learn more.