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Report: Auburn’s treatment plant is unable to accept gas drilling wastewater

04/24/14

AUBURN, N.Y. -- Some are calling a report about gas drilling wastewater a step in the right direction for the city of Auburn. The report concludes the city's treatment plant is unable to accept gas drilling wastewater.

It cites a number of heavy chemical contaminants. In 2011 the city banned the acceptance of this type of wastewater in its facility. Several months later, the ban was rescinded. At the request of the DEC and EPA, the city hasn't actually taken that wastewater in until analysis was done.

Now that it's complete, activists are looking to the state to stop a practice they say would endanger the environment and public health.

"Governor Cuomo really has to respond to this Headworks Analysis, ban gas drilling wastewater dumping in municipal plants and withdraw the revised draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement and adopt comprehensive standards," Walter Hang, Toxics Targeting President.

Auburn's mayor said he received the report this week and isn't prepared to make a statement because he hasn't sat down with the city manager and others to discuss it.

City Councilor Terrance Cuddy says in the future he may push to have the city ban reinstated.

To view the full analysis visit:
www.toxicstargeting.com/sites/default/files/ghd_headworks_analysis.pdf

To read Hang’s letter to Governor Cuomo visit:
www.toxicstargeting.com/MarcellusShale/documents/letters/2014/04/22/cuom...