More on Toxic Ponds

The Bureau of Land Management says it will consider applications by oil and gas companies to build toxic evaporation ponds on public lands. The statement comes in response to concerns voiced by citizens in DeBeque, Colorado that toxic evaporation ponds would be built within yards of their homes.

Of course, nobody wants a toxic evaporation pond anywhere near their home, but putting these ponds on public lands really isn't a solution. Sure, it may get the ponds away from the most populated areas, but what about the hikers, the hunters, and the families that use public lands for recreation?

The issue of siting is important, but really the debate needs to start focusing on doing it right. Doing it right means protecting clean air and peoples' health no matter where the ponds are located.

Let's look at a similar situation--sewage. You don't see very many sewage lagoons these days, especially in populated areas. That's because sewage is typically not treated in open lagoons, but in wastewater treatment facilities.

Oil and gas wastewater should be treated the same way. Rather than sticking the water in ponds to evaporate and release toxic fumes, it should be put into a treatment system where both the air and water pollution can be controlled.

We don't let sewage evaporate in open ponds in our neighborhoods. There's no reason to allow toxic oil and gas wastewater to evaporate in our neighborhoods, either.