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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsDrought Stricken California Turns to Oil Industry (Fracking) Wastewater for Crop Irrigation
http://wakeup-world.com/2015/08/24/drought-stricken-california-turns-to-oil-industry-wastewater-for-crop-irrigation/
24th August 2015
By Carolanne Wright
As drought persists in California, oil behemoth Chevron has found an new way to dispose of its fracking wastewater: sell it to U.S. farmers in California. About 21 million gallons of wastewater is used on 45,000 acres of crops, which equates to roughly 10% of Kern Countys farmland in the Central Valley.
The program has been in effect for twenty years, due to persistent water shortages in the region. But with the current historic drought now into its fourth year, concerns over the practice of recycling this industrial wastewater are bubbling to the surface, notably because the fresh water that has historically been used to dilute the fracking wastewater is now in short supply which may in turn increase the amount of petrochemical contaminants found in the water being used for agriculture.
Researchers are worried these toxic chemicals are then making their way into the food supply.
California doesnt have statewide regulations for recycled wastewater used in agriculture. Instead, permits are issued to local water districts by nine regional water boards. Once a year, water districts are required to provide toxicity data to their water board, but certain components like heavy metals, radioactive materials and chemicals used in fracking are excluded due to cost. One water district has only tested for radioactive elements a few times over the last two decades.
Angry Dragon
(36,693 posts)no_hypocrisy
(46,122 posts)Lindsay
(3,276 posts)Except, of course, for companies' bottom lines, which is all that counts any more for the most part.
dembotoz
(16,808 posts)ruffburr
(1,190 posts)They have to disclose produce that is grown using this poison concoction, Are they giving this Crap to livestock? PLEASE tell me how to FIX STUPID!! Everyday another massively stupid decision from politicians ( party seems not to matter, It only a matter of degree) If this crazy anything for profit mindset doesn't come to an end, We will all be dead, Vote , We got to try to end the status quo.
Mendocino
(7,495 posts)and a lack of democracy go hand in hand. A politician is being bought, some random inspector is on the take, a water board is purchased, a study is quashed by a chamber of commerce.
But remember, free capitalism, private over-site and self regulation solves all obstacles.