The EPA has announced it will set standards for wastewater discharges resulting from coalbed methane extraction and shale gas extraction and issue a proposed rule for each in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Shale gas extraction has grown to comprise nearly 15% of US natural gas production. Wastewater from such extractions cannot be directly discharged into waterways. Some amount can be reused but some must be discarded via a water treatment facility. A standard will be set for shale gas extraction wastewater discharges prior to treatment. The EPA will also formulate a national standard for wastewater discharges from coalbed methane extraction, whose standards are currently determined by states. The announcement is a component of the effluent guidelines program.

Source: EPA