Waste Management

Protecting the Environment

CNX is committed to the effective management of waste materials—including recycling and reuse.

For materials that can’t be recycled, we follow individual waste management plans, and have processes for transportation, treatment, and disposal in compliance with regulatory requirements. This ensures a consistent compliant approach to waste management. Our service providers must also abide by our standards and comply with all regulations. Service providers supporting waste management activities and approved final waste disposal locations are evaluated by CNX to ensure compliance.

CNX’s primary waste streams are solid waste from drilling residuals (also known as rock cuttings), and produced water. While many exploration and production wastes are exempt from regulation as hazardous waste under Subtitle C of RCRA, these wastes are subject to stringent waste regulation under RCRA Subtitle D and applicable state regulations. CNX utilizes industry best management practices, such as closed-loop systems, to manage and allow for reuse of drilling mud, which gets separated from the drill cuttings during this process. CNX continues to explore beneficial reuse opportunities for drill cuttings to reduce demand on landfill capacity. We also handle sensitive materials that require specialized disposal for the health and safety of our employees, service providers, and the community.

Elements of our waste management program include:

  • Waste characterization
  • Data collection and reporting
  • Proper storage, handling, and transporting of waste (manifest tracking)
  • Tracking for reuse or disposal
  • Identifying recycling opportunities
  • Maintaining regulatory requirements
  • Audit and oversight

RADIATION PROTECTION AND MONITORING

Naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) can occur in small concentrations in the rock formations we encounter. Our program—including site-specific Radiation Protection Plans, where required—specifies procedures for proper detection, handling, and disposal of these materials. CNX’s radiation monitoring schedule, as well as the Comprehensive Radiation Protection Plan (CRPP), are available on our Radical Transparency website. CNX has committed to disclosing the findings associated with the monitoring we conduct as part of our overarching CRPP. 

* From Technologically Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (TENORM) Study Report. Prepared by PermaFix for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (Rev. 1 May 2016)

** Estimate prepared assuming workers are present during drilling, fracturing, and production phases of well installation and operation and are exposed to drill cuttings, hydraulic fracturing fluid, flowback water and produced water.

+ Estimate your Personal Annual Radiation Dose www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/radiation/around-us/calculator.html