In this episode of my “ReMarkable!” podcast, I talk with Justin Nobel, an acclaimed journalist and author. Justin writes about a dark and critical issue within the oil and gas industry that he brought to light—radioactivity in oil field waste. Nobel, who spent seven years investigating and writing his book "Petroleum 238: Big Oil’s Dangerous Secret and the Grassroots Fight to Stop It," provides alarming revelations about the radioactive pollutants associated with oil and gas extraction that have been neglected by the industry and overlooked by governing bodies.

Four Key Takeaways From This Podcast:

* Radioactive Waste in Oil and Gas Industry: The oil and gas industry generates significant amounts of radioactive waste, particularly radium, during extraction processes. This issue has been largely overlooked by the industry and regulatory bodies.

* Environmental and Public Health Threats: The industry produces approximately 3 billion gallons of briny wastewater daily, often disposing of it using harmful methods like discharge into unlined pits or injection wells. This poses a significant risk to the environment and public health.

* Worker Exposure and Safety Neglect: Workers handling radioactive waste are frequently exposed to high levels of radiation without adequate protection or training, leading to severe health risks. The industry lacks transparency and accountability in safeguarding its workers.

* Regulatory Failures and Call to Action: Regulatory bodies like the EPA and OSHA have largely failed to address the radioactive waste issue, leaving communities vulnerable. There is a need for stringent safety measures, comprehensive waste management protocols, and increased scrutiny to protect workers and communities from the hazards of oil field radioactivity.

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From the onset of oil extraction in 1859 to the fracking boom today, Nobel uncovers that not just oil and gas, but also radioactive materials, particularly radium, come to the surface during drilling. This has introduced an extraordinary new waste stream, producing approximately 3 billion gallons of briny wastewater every day in the United States alone. If placed in oil barrels, these waste fluids could reach the moon and back nearly 28 times in a year. Despite such staggering figures, the industry continues to grapple with what to do with this waste, often resorting to inexpensive and unscientific methods like discharge into unlined pits or injection wells, posing a significant threat to both the environment and public health.

Moreover, the issue extends to the invisible dangers faced by workers handling this waste. These individuals are often exposed to high levels of radiation without adequate protection or training, exacerbating health risks. The lack of accountability and transparency within the industry is shocking, given the potential for contamination and subsequent health ramifications. Regrettably, regulatory bodies, including the EPA and OSHA, have largely failed to address these issues, leaving communities and ecosystems at risk.

This revelation necessitates a call to action for greater scrutiny and accountability within the oil and gas industry. It’s no longer just about the environmental impact but a dire public health threat that demands immediate and robust action. By pushing for stringent safety measures and comprehensive waste management protocols, citizens can help hold the industry accountable and protect both workers and communities from the hazardous consequences of oil field radioactivity.

Go here to learn more about FaCT and visit this site to purchase Justin’s book.

Thanks for sharing your time with me today and I hope you listened to my discussion with Justin Nobel. Before you leave, let me ask four things of you:

First, if you liked the show, hit the heart button and let me know.

Second, please leave a comment on what you heard today. These kinds of environmental problems are actually preventable. Concerned citizens need to let their local, state, and national representatives know how they feel about this radioactive pollution.

Third, do check out Justin’s book. The link is above.

And fourth, hit up FaCT’s website. They are great group doing great things.

See you next time!

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