Waste Pits and Impoundments
Both liquid and solid wastes are stored at well sites in reserve or storage pits. Liquid wastes (as well as freshwater reserves for fracturing) may also be stored in giant impoundments that can hold millions of gallons.
Issues
The Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance
IRMA is a multi-sector initiative that offers independent, third-party auditing and transparency at mine sites using its 400+ page standard.
Waste Management Infrastructure
Storing, treating, and disposing of so much waste requires a variety of equipment and facilities, all of which can pose risks to the environment, health, and property.
Toxics Release Inventory – What is it?
The EPA’s Toxics Release Inventory gives citizens information about toxic releases in and around their communities. With this information citizens can encourage mining companies to reduce their toxic releases and/or agree to more vigorous oversight of their mines.
Surface Owner Protection Legislation
Surface damages legislation restores the balance between landowners and the oil and gas industry – and doesn’t curtail production or jobs.
Surface Spreading of Drilling Wastes
Many states allow “brine” (produced water) from conventional drilling operations to be spread on roads as a de-icer and dust suppressant. Brine can contain high levels of salt, chloride, and chemicals, which can pose risks to wildlife, vegetation, and drinking water.
Tailings
Tailings are the waste materials left after the target mineral is extracted from ore. They consist of crushed rock; water; trace quantities of metals such as copper, mercury, cadmium, zinc; and additives used in processing, such as petroleum byproducts, sulfuric acid and cyanide.
