October 20, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Lynette Maselli
304.357.7809
Lynette.Maselli@wvesnate.gov

UNGER FIGHTS TO PROTECT DRINKING WATER FROM RADIATION
CHARLESTON, W.V. Senate Majority Leader John Unger (D-Berkeley) will introduce a
provision today to protect drinking water in West Virginias Eastern Panhandle. This provision
is the result of Marcellus Shale drilling activity that creates radioactive fracking waste.
The Legislature passed House Bill 107 during the first extraordinary session of 2014. It allows
for the disposal of drill cuttings and associated drilling waste generated from well sites in
commercial solid waste facilities above the monthly tonnage limits.
Allowing radioactive drill cuttings into landfills in karst regions is unacceptable, says Unger.
As lawmakers, we have a duty to protect our citizens and guarantee that they have access to
clean drinking water.
Majority Leader Ungers proposed provision strengthens the protection of drinking water in
counties with karst topography by prohibiting any amount of radioactive drill cuttings in
landfills.
Karst topography is a landscape formed from the dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone,
dolomite, and gypsum. It is characterized by underground drainage systems with sinkholes,
dolines, and caves. It is porous and exceptionally vulnerable to water contamination and
pollution.
The provision will be introduced during the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee at 5:00
p.m. If passed, it will be submitted to the full Legislature during the 2015 session.
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