DEAR EDITOR:

For nearly 40 years, Ohio has allowed oil and gas waste — containing toxic and radioactive elements — to be spread on our roads as a de-icer and dust suppressant. This is one type of “brine.” Despite mounting evidence of environmental and health risks, this archaic practice continues in many communities.

In a 2019 study, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources found that all samples coming from vertical oil wells exceeded legal limits for discharge into the environment for radioactive elements like radium-226 and radium-228. An oil and gas waste de-icer, marketed under the name AquaSalina, was once used by the Ohio Department of Transportation. ODNR studied it and found it to contain extreme levels of the same radioactive isotopes. These substances don’t just disappear — they persist in our soil and water for centuries.

The Ohio Department of Health now advises against using oil and gas waste as a de-icer, and ODOT has stopped using it. Yet local governments must opt out by passing a resolution; otherwise, they’re required to report their usage annually to ODNR.

State Rep. Tristan Rader and State Rep. Sean Brennan have introduced House Bill 439 to end this dangerous practice statewide. It’s time Ohio closed the book on this outdated policy. Our roads shouldn’t be spread with toxic and radioactive waste.

MARY KRUPA

Youngstown