Tens of thousands of acres of almonds, citrus fruits and other drought-stricken crops in the Central Valley currently use oilfield wastewater for irrigation. But little is known about the potential impact on the environment or human health from the use of the wastewater, which may contain chemicals from oil drilling. The Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board has now formed a panel of experts to research safety issues surrounding this practice, which has been touted as an innovative water-saving solution in a time of drought.
Experts Investigate Safety of Oilfield Wastewater Used On Crops
Guests:
Matthew Heberger, Senior Research Associate with the Pacific Institute and co-author of the recent report "Oil, Food, and Water: Challenges and Opportunities for California Agriculture"
Ellen Knickmeyer, environmental reporter for Associated Press
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