Pa. DEP steps up water testing

HARRISBURG -- State environmental officials have sped up timetables for how often drinking water must be checked for radioactive material and other pollutants, a change they say has been part of their broader plan to manage risks from shale drilling.

Acting Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Michael Krancer outlined new testing requirements for public water suppliers and wastewater treatment facilities in his letter Wednesday to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Federal officials wrote to Mr. Krancer on March 7, urging additional water testing near facilities that treat Marcellus Shale wastewater.

"Rest assured that well before receiving your letter, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has been focusing on issues relating to natural gas drilling, and prioritizes protecting the environment and public health and safety above all else," Mr. Krancer replied to the EPA.

In addition to the fall testing, which showed no abnormal levels of radioactivity, Mr. Krancer and DEP officials say two other changes were pending when the March EPA letter was received.

In a March 11 letter, 14 public water suppliers located downstream from facilities that treat drilling wastewater were directed to immediately test for radioactivity and other contaminants.

DEP spokeswoman Jamie Legenos said those facilities typically are required to test on three-, six- or nine-year cycles, depending on their permit.

In a second letter, sent on March 18, 25 wastewater facilities were asked to start twice-a-month testing for certain pollutants, including radium and uranium.

Ms. Legenos said growth of the gas drilling industry has bolstered the need for more monitoring, and that any additional steps will be considered after results from the new tests are reviewed.

First published on April 8, 2011 at 12:00 am