Nebraska Man Challenges Oil& Gas Commission To Drink Fracking Wastewater

Nebraska man challenges Oil & Gas Commission 
to drink fracking wastewater

Jen Hayden

Last week the Nebraska Oil & Gas Commission held a public hearing to discuss a proposed permit for an out-of-state company that wants to inject toxic fracking wastewater into a well in Nebraska. The permit would allow them to inject 10,000 barrels a day, until they are permitted for more. The commission seemed to get more than they bargained for when more than 100 residents turned up to protest the T-Rex Energy Corporation's plans. One Nebraska farmer brought a container of water he said was from a fracking disposal and asked—would you drink this? Apparently someone on the commission had previously assured him it was safe to drink and they would do so themselves. He took them up on the challenge and returned with fracking wastewater. Watch him stun the commission:

The commission refused saying they "couldn't comment."

The commission heard from many Nebraska residents who were particularly concerned that the Ogallala Aquifer—one of the largest aquifers in the world—would be polluted. They pleaded with the commission to oppose the well:

Judy Broeder, who lives near the well site, said she was afraid there were a lot people who look at Sioux County and say "there's nothing there," but pointed to the necessity to protect water.

"If we don't have water, as my 94-year-old dad said, it'll just be rattlesnakes and rabbits," she said. "Ask a thirsty person. Do you want water, or do you want crude?"

Proponents of the well, largely connected to T-Rex Energy Corporation, insist the site will be safe:

"The well bore diagram indicates this well bore is better equipped than most to prevent fluid from entering the aquifer," Peterson said.

He said in his 40 years of injecting into wells he's never injected into water.

"But you can't say never," he said.

I'm sure the citizens who live near the Ogallala Aquifer feel safer already. The Nebraska Oil & Gas Commission has 30 days to approve or deny the permit. How seriously will they take the very real concerns of Nebraska's citizens? We'll find out soon enough.

Watch Nebraska residents speak out against the wastewater well here.