Pitt: Departing shale drilling opponent free to speak his mind

A researcher and Marcellus shale drilling opponent who said he is leaving the University of Pittsburgh over “philosophical differences” can speak his mind about environmental dangers of natural gas extraction, Pitt officials said yesterday.

Researcher Conrad “Dan” Volz told the Tribune-Review for a story on Sunday that he would step down as director of Pitt’s Center for Healthy Environments and Communities because the university said he could not be an advocate for public and environmental health causes. He said yesterday that he expects to leave by the end of May.

“The university does not oppose Dr. Volz’s personally held views,” said Allison Schlesinger, spokeswoman for Pitt’s Graduate School of Public Health, where Volz worked since 2004. “He, like any other researcher or faculty member, has the academic freedom to study and research anything he’d like and to express his views based on that research and study.”

Volz is scheduled to testify today before the Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works in Washington. He will discuss a March research report about nine toxic pollutants found in water from a stream near a wastewater treatment facility for Marcellus shale gas and oil extraction wells in Indiana County.

Asked whether the university reviewed the veracity of Volz’s research work, Schlesinger said she could not comment because it is a personnel matter. She emphasized that Volz voluntarily stepped down without pressure from Pitt administrators. The center does not receive money from the gas industry.

Dr. Donald S. Burke, dean of the graduate school, declined requests for an interview. Volz’s work was not published in an academic journal, which is standard practice for university researchers. Journal publication involves independent peer review of data.

Schlesinger said Volz “is not representing the University of Pittsburgh” when he testifies.

Critics questioned Volz’s March 23 report on samplings of effluent from a facility that treats brine wastewater from oil and gas operations and discharges into Blacklick Creek. The criticism focused on sampling conducted on only one day at three-hour intervals and comparisons Volz made between treated effluent and federal drinking water standards and state environmental regulations.

Volz issued a revised report March 25. Among revisions the Tribune-Review found, he changed risk levels for certain pollutants from a general mean standard to specific toxic levels for adults and children.

Other changes acknowledged the facility’s permit does not require treatment of bromide and some other agents used to extract gas through hydraulic rock fracturing but notes operators must notify the state “if they routinely discharge” certain amounts of pollutants.

Volz said last week that the errors did not change his conclusions, including the fact that pollutants such as barium, bromide and benzene were found in quantities “over either human health or ecological health standards.” The levels, he said, pose a threat to recreationists who might drink the water, come in contact with it while kayaking or take fish from impacted waterways.

“I took samples, and we analyzed them,” Volz said yesterday. “I don’t know what could be wrong.”

Pitt’s Center for Healthy Environments and Communities will continue to conduct such research with a goal of improving the environment, Schlesinger said. The center operates with a $2 million grant from The Heinz Endowments.

Doug Root, a spokesman for the foundation, said he expects that funding will continue.

By Luis Fabregas
PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/s_731825.html