Fracking wastewater treatment could cost £1million per well in UK

That is according to research by the University of Edinburgh that studied wastewaters from wells in the US to better understand the volume and make-up of wastewater that would be generated by a UK shale gas industry.

Scientists from the university reviewed the methods used to treat waste from the fracking process.

We suggest that industry, wastewater treatment plant operators and UK regulatory bodies work together to produce a coherent strategy for managing wastewater

Stuart Gilfillan, Edinburgh School of GeoSciences

They said that although the chemical make-up of UK wastewater is currently not well known, the water can be several times saltier than seawater and contains naturally occurring radioactive material.

The researchers said the costs involved with treating fracking wastewater in the UK would require between two and 26% respectively of the expected total revenue from each well.

The team also found the capacity to treat naturally-occurring radioactive materials is currently limited in the UK and could restrict fracking operations if not addressed.

Stuart Gilfillan, from the School of GeoSciences, said: “We suggest that industry, wastewater treatment plant operators and UK regulatory bodies work together to produce a coherent strategy for managing wastewater.

“This would serve to assure the public of its safety and prepare for the expansion of treatment capacity required should a shale gas industry develop in the UK.”