In a troubling environmental protection case, Austin Master Services, an industrial company based in Martins Ferry, Ohio, allegedly stored 10,000 tons of radioactive fracking waste near the Ohio River—just 150 feet from the riverbank. This revelation has raised serious concerns regarding environmental safety and regulatory oversight in Ohio, where state regulators reportedly allowed the company to operate without interference for years. Now, environmentalists, locals, and health experts are questioning the potential dangers of such a large volume of radioactive waste so close to a vital clean water source. This possesses long-term health risks over generations in the area.
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In fact, Ohio Health Department data shows the cancer rate for Belmont County, Martins Ferry Ohio where fracking is occurring is higher than U.S. national average:
Cancer incidence rate
In 2016–2020, the cancer incidence rate in Belmont County was 471.8 per 100,000 people, which was higher than the Ohio rate of 465.3 per 100,000 and the U.S. rate of 438.7 per 100,000.
Cancer mortality rate
In 2016–2020, the cancer mortality rate in Belmont County was 163.9 per 100,000 people, which was higher than the Ohio rate of 166.1 per 100,000 and the U.S. rate of 149.4 per 100,000.
Moreover, a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, Americans are divided on the issue of expanding fracking for oil and gas in the U.S. 44% support increasing fracking, while 53% are opposed. Despite this divide, the United States is producing more oil and natural gas than ever, leading global output.
In Ohio, fracking has expanded into state parks, with the Ohio Oil and Gas Land Management Commission granting mineral rights to various oil and gas companies. This allows fracking under lands owned by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Ohio Department of Transportation.
So tighter environmental regulations make sense based on the facts and better protections should be put in place to protect Ohio residents. Between 2018 and September 2023, Ohio saw over 1,400 fracking-related incidents linked to oil and gas wells, as reported by FracTracker Alliance, a nonprofit that tracks fracking data. Fires or explosions accounted for around 10% of these incidents.
“This essentially turns regions like Appalachia, eastern Ohio, and southeastern Ohio into sacrifice zones for resource extraction,” explained Ted Auch, Midwest Program Director at FracTracker Alliance. “It’s a pattern we’ve seen with coal, steel, timber, and now oil and gas.”
While U.S. Presidents lack the authority to ban fracking outright without Congressional bipartisan support, they can influence fracking activities on federal lands, according to Auch.
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The Discovery of Radioactive Waste in Martins Ferry, Ohio
The presence of radioactive waste near the Ohio River was initially brought to light by workers and truckers involved in the transportation of the waste. One trucker reported that he had been unaware of the material he was hauling, raising ethical and safety issues about the company's disclosure practices. Fracking waste, including drill cuttings, flowback water, and other byproducts, is known to contain naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM), such as radium and thorium. When improperly handled or stored, these substances can pose serious health and environmental risks.
In this case, 10,000 tons of radioactive fracking waste was stored just steps from the Ohio River, which serves as a key water supply for millions in the region. With the waste positioned so close to the water, experts are concerned about potential radioactive contaminants leaching into the river, which could have dire implications for water quality and public health.
Watch Video Details of Martin's Ferry, Ohio Radioactive Waste Incident ...
Regulatory Oversight in Question
State regulators, primarily the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), have come under scrutiny for allegedly allowing Austin Master Services to store the waste unchecked for years. Environmental advocates argue that the state agencies failed in their responsibility to enforce environmental protections, despite the known risks associated with improperly stored radioactive materials. Ohio’s regulation of fracking waste has often been criticized for being lax compared to other states, with critics claiming that regulatory loopholes and lax enforcement put public health and natural resources at risk.
In this case, concerns center on why state officials allowed Austin Master Services to store such a massive amount of waste so close to a critical waterway without stricter controls or regular inspections. This lack of enforcement is now a point of contention as environmental groups push for accountability and stricter regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Health and Environmental Risks
The potential health risks of radioactive waste contamination are well-documented. Exposure to radium, for instance, has been linked to increased cancer risk, particularly bone cancer, as it can accumulate in bone tissue. Radium is also highly soluble, meaning it can dissolve in water, making it particularly hazardous near a water source like the Ohio River. If radioactive particles from the waste were to enter the river, they could contaminate drinking water supplies downstream, affecting countless communities and ecosystems. Read More Forever Chemicals in Fracking ...
Environmental groups worry that the situation could worsen if heavy rains, floods, or other natural events lead to further leaching of these radioactive materials into the surrounding soil and water. The proximity of the waste storage site to the Ohio River also raises concerns about the potential for a significant contamination event, particularly during seasonal flooding, which could cause the waste to spread over a wider area.
Public Outcry and Calls for Reform
The discovery of Austin Master Services’ storage practices has ignited public outcry. Environmental organizations, local politicians, and concerned citizens are demanding a thorough investigation into how state regulators permitted the company to operate under these conditions for so long. There are calls for stricter regulations on the handling and disposal of fracking waste, as well as increased transparency in disclosing the risks associated with radioactive materials.
Some legislators and advocacy groups are pushing for a moratorium on new fracking waste storage near the Ohio River and similar water bodies until stricter regulations are put in place. Others are calling for independent studies to assess the environmental impact of the waste storage site and determine whether radioactive materials have already leached into the river.
Conclusion
The storage of radioactive fracking waste by Austin Master Services in Martins Ferry represents a serious environmental and regulatory failure with potential health consequences for the Ohio River region. The lack of oversight and transparency has put public health at risk for decades, sparking calls for urgent action from regulators and legislators. As this situation unfolds, the need for stronger regulations and consistent enforcement to protect public safety and natural resources is becoming more apparent.
This incident serves as yet another stark reminder of the hidden costs of the fracking industry and the importance of regulatory oversight in protecting people, wildlife and our natural environment.
About Author
James E Dean - Director, ABV ... We're all about creating A Safe Place to Learn, Share Ideas and Discovery in our Connected World. James loves to read, engage in learning, discuss ideas and research new solutions. Mr. Dean brings over 35 years of experience across a wide range of industries worldwide. He is considered by many to be a leading expert in the energy sector, retail eCommerce, brand marketing and AI technology. Currently, he is working on several big projects involving Digital Content Networks and Tokenized Asset eCommerce Programming. J Dean is a frequent Research Blogger and Podcaster, a graduate of Boston University. Mr. Dean lives in Ohio USA, enjoys collecting antiques and memorabilia, studying history, travel adventures and fitness. Contact Email Message
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