The U.S. Coast Guard is accepting comments through Fri., Nov. 29, on a proposal to permit the hauling of shale-gas extraction waste via river barges.

Much of the waste would come from Pennsylvania and its Marcellus Shale gas fields. The waste is currently transported from drilling sites to disposal facilities by truck and rail.

Activists oppose the measure, citing potential hazards to the water supply.

Fracking waste is known to contain toxic chemicals like benzene and radioactive materials. And because of trade-secret privileges, industry has not revealed many of the chemicals in the fracking fluid to the public.

For more information on the proposed rule change, see here. This site also includes information about submitting comments.