CLOSE THE LOOPHOLE

This morning, I read an insightful letter in the Observer Reporter by Nina Victoria, Community Advocate, about how Pennsylvania needs to close the brine loophole. I couldn’t agree more. It’s baffling that so few people in the county talk about the toxic chemicals that affect all of us.

In Pennsylvania, brine is often sprayed on roads as a dust suppressant, but it’s much more than just an inconvenience—it’s a significant environmental and health risk. The brine used is usually a byproduct of natural gas drilling (from hydraulic fracturing, or 'fracking'), and contains a mix of toxic chemicals, including heavy metals and radioactive elements.

Despite the fact that brine can help reduce road dust, which may seem like a good thing, it’s a short-term fix with long-term consequences. When brine is sprayed on roads, it can leach into nearby soil and water sources, contaminating the environment. Communities living near these treated roads are exposed to chemicals that can impact their health, from respiratory issues to potential long-term effects like cancer. Even worse, the brine doesn't just stay on the roads—during heavy rain, it washes off into rivers, streams, and groundwater, spreading contamination far beyond the original location.

It’s frustrating that this issue doesn't get more attention. It’s bad enough that these chemicals are used on roads, but even worse is that there’s little regulation or oversight on how brine is applied, and no real push to stop this practice. It’s a clear example of prioritizing short-term solutions over the health and well-being of the people who live here.

If you care about protecting our environment and health, it's time to take action. Contact Governor Josh Shapiro, your state senators, and representatives today—either by phone or through their social media accounts—to demand that they close the brine loophole. Let them know that it’s time for stricter regulations and safer alternatives to brine use on Pennsylvania's roads.