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In a recent article, critics argue wastewater from hydraulic fracturing shouldn't be transported by barge because of the risk of spills.
More than 99 percent of fracking fluid is made up of water and sand; only a small portion is made up of chemicals, many of which are the same household materials found under any kitchen sink. The wastewater generated after hydraulic fracturing operations is a mixture of brine and produced water, meaning it's very similar to saltwater. Compare that to some of the substances that are transported by barge safely every day, such as jet fuel, gasoline, kerosene, benzene, toluene and ammonia.
Further, the Coast Guard's Proposed Policy Letter requires wastewater be tested for chemical components before it ever goes on a barge, and there are no trade secrets regarding waste water. Not only that, but the barges would be double-hulled and enclosed, which means that there will be two layers of thick steel and a protective covering to ensure the cargo arrives at its destination safely.
The bottom line is that barges are one of the safest and most environmentally friendly methods of transportation. The Obama administration has endorsed barges because they pose the least risk for spills and, as the U.S. Department of Transportation puts it, they are "the most energy-efficient way to transport freight." Fears about this means of transport, like those related to fracking itself, are largely misplaced.
Energy In Depth, Cambridge