Shale oil: source of energy, source of waste

Shale oil is poised to enter the energy market of the U.S. whenever national needs dictate. When this occurs, possibly by 1980, the shale-oil industry will make severe demands on the water resources of Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming, where water is already in short supply. It is also clear that spent shale ash will pervade the region in the form of massive dumps, but these will not necessarily disturb the environment. Indeed, their presence may be beneficial as highway foundations and earthwork dams for flood control and catchments.