This is old news, but I’m still trying to catch everyone up. 

A nurse in Colorado suffered from liver, heart and lung failure after treating a gas worker who showed up at the hospital soaked in unkown chemicals.   The worker was probably soaked in frac fluid, which contains numerous unkown substances.  Gas drilling companies do not have to disclose those chemicals because they aren’t regulated by the federal Safe Drinking Water Act.  Doing so would affect their ability to compete in the marketplace. 

Advertisement

The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, at the time of this incident, were condidering making companies disclose what chemicals were used in their drilling fluids.  Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission director Lawrence Bengal said there were no attempts in this state to get gas companies to disclose what chemicals they used.       

The case of the Colorado nurse shows one negative consequence of the gas companies’ secrecy.  Had they known which chemicals soaked the worker, or were inhaled by the nurse, their injuries would have been easier to treat.  Halliburton officials said if they were forced to disclose their frac components they would leave the state. 

Advertisement

GrassrootsOzark has the story from the Durango Herald.  Kos has a related item.

Help to Keep Great Journalism Alive in Arkansas

Join the fight for truth and become a subscriber of the Arkansas Times. We've been battling powerful forces for 50 years through our tough, determined, and feisty journalism. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, our readers value great journalism. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing and supporting our efforts, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers to expand our coverage. Together, we can continue to hold the powerful accountable and bring important stories to light. Subscribe now or donate for as little as $1 and be a part of the Arkansas Times community.

Previous article Heating costs will be higher this winter Next article Closing in on the record