# Diesel Fuel Contamination: A Shocking Revelation

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/05/diesel-fuel-contamination-a-shocking-revelation/
- Published: 2012-05-26T15:00:15-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## EPA Tightens Reins on Diesel Fuel in Fracking

### The Diesel Dilemma Unveiled

In 2011, the natural gas industry faced a startling revelation. Consequently, over32
million gallons of diesel fuel and its by-products had been secretly pumped into
the ground, potentially contaminating drinking water sources. This shocking discovery
contradicted the industry’s previous denials about using diesel in fracking fluids.

### EPA’s Response: Regulation and Guidance

#### Permitting Requirements Established

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) swiftly responded to this crisis. As a
result, they implemented strict permitting requirements for the use of diesel fuels
in hydraulic fracturing. Furthermore, the agency released comprehensive guidance
in 2014 to clarify these requirements.

### Key Components of EPA’s Approach

 1. Mandatory Permits: Oil and gas operators must now obtain a UIC Class II permit 
    before injecting diesel fuels for hydraulic fracturing.
 2. Clear Definitions: The EPA provided a precise interpretation of “diesel fuels” 
    for permitting purposes.
 3. Detailed Guidelines: The agency outlined existing UIC Class II program requirements
    specifically for diesel fuel use in [fracking](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/12/fracking-brings-earthquakes-water-pollution-increased-greenhouse-gas-emissions-strike-number-three/).
 4. Support for Permit Writers: Guidance was issued to assist EPA permit writers in
    preparing UIC Class II permits for diesel fuel use in hydraulic fracturing.

## Beyond Diesel: Comprehensive Fracking Regulations

### Broader Exemptions and Oversight

While the Energy Policy Act of 2005 created a broad exemption for hydraulic fracturing
under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), this exemption notably excludes the use
of diesel fuel. Consequently, the EPA maintains regulatory authority over fracking
operations that employ diesel fuels.

### Wastewater Management

Additionally, the EPA oversees the disposal of wastewater from hydraulic fracturing
activities. This oversight includes permitting for Class II disposal wells, which
are used to reinject brines and other fluids produced during oil and gas extraction.

## Industry Impact and Environmental Protection

### Stricter Standards for Diesel Fuel

The EPA’s regulations have led to a significant reduction in sulfur content in diesel
fuel. For instance, ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) with only 15 parts per million
of sulfur is now the standard for both onroad and nonroad uses.

### Emission Reduction Goals

These stringent diesel standards aim to reduce harmful emissions from both onroad
and nonroad diesel sources by more than 90%. This reduction plays a crucial role
in protecting air quality and public health.

## Looking Ahead: Ongoing Vigilance

The EPA continues to monitor and adjust its regulations to ensure the protection
of drinking water sources and public health. Moreover, the agency remains committed
to transparency and efficiency in its permitting processes for hydraulic fracturing
activities.

As the fracking industry evolves, so too must the regulatory framework surrounding
it. Therefore, ongoing collaboration between the EPA, state agencies, and industry
stakeholders is essential to maintain a balance between energy production and environmental
protection.

Resources

1.”Waxman, Markey, and DeGette Investigation Finds Continued Use of Diesel in Hydraulic
Fracturing Fluids”, Committee on Energy and Commerce, 1/31/2011.
2. “Evaluation 
of Impacts to Underground Sources of Drinking Water by Hydraulic Fracturing of Coalbed
Methane Reservoirs” U.S. EPA, June 2004.3. “Public Health Statement for Benzene”,
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry, August 2007.4. Basic Information about Toluene, Ethylbenzene, and Xylenes
in Drinking Water, U.S. EPA website.

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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