The new and controversial drilling methods have been linked to an increase in seismic activity in Arkansas according to Fox News.com. This, however, may not be the most imminent threat faced by Arkansans. The companies have been disposing of their "toxic wastewater" by injecting it into the earth.
This "toxic wastewater" could potentially contaminate drinking water for tens of thousands of Arkansans. In addition to dangerous drinking water, Arkansas's tourism industry could suffer because of pollution in recreational lakes, rivers and streams. Bass fishing tournaments would be cancelled resulting in a drastic decline in tourism. Millions of dollars would be lost because of the "toxic wastewater" contaminating the fish hatcheries.
Agriculture in Arkansas would also suffer as farmers would have to search elsewhere for a safe source to irrigate their billion dollar crops such as rice, soybeans, cotton and corn. An increase in price of production could also affect the price of goods globally leading countries to import rice from other, less toxic, areas.
Although earthquakes are unsettling, the "toxic wastewater" is of a much greater concern to Arkansans and, by extension, the world!
Bass fishing cancellations would indeed be detrimental. No doubt hundreds of thousands flock to Batesville to experience the pristine waters of the White River. What would we do if toxic waste hampered fishing?
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