Lissa Harris reports in the Watershed Post Ulster County executive Mike Hein issued an executive order Thurs., Apr. 12, banning the purchase of any liquid waste product from hydraulic fracturing operations, and the use of that product by any part of Ulster County government. “This action is in accordance with my long standing concern for the environment and my profound concerns regarding hydrofracking,” Hein said in a statement released by his office. Harris reports the use of brine from hydraulic fracturing wells as a cheap replacement for road salt is a controversial practice, and it allows gas companies a way to dispose of the toxin-laced fluid, thereby avoiding the time and expense required to transport it to wastewater treatment plants. A local law banning the use of fracking brine is currently pending with Ulster County lawmakers; a public hearing will be held April 17 in the Ulster County Community College gym.  Read the full story in the Watershed Post.