|
|
 |
February
2, 2014
Oil and gas
companies may pose local problems
Jane Staley
The oil and gas drilling in eastern Ohio poses a potential threat to
western Ohio in the form of Class II injection wells. The Mt. Simon
Sandstone geology under the west central Ohio aquifer is ideal for
injection wells.
Millions of gallons of fracking waste "brine" (a mixture of toxic
chemicals, radiation and high levels of salt) is usually injected into
Class II wells. They are permitted and regulated by the Ohio Department
of Natural Resources.
Old, abandoned, or depleted "orphan" oil and gas wells are reused for
waste water injection. ODNR recently gave legal notice on several
orphan wells in northern Darke County. Why is ODNR suddenly interested
in a few of over 150 orphan wells that have existed in Darke County for
decades?
In his column in The Daily Advocate on January 23, 2014, Representative
Jim Buchy said, " … the wells in west central Ohio will not be looked
at as wastewater-storing wells because the proper permits and paperwork
are not in place."
ODNR moves quickly and quietly on such matters. Then there is no appeal.
Local governments and individuals have NO input into the permitting
process for injection wells. In 2004 the Ohio Legislature approved
House Bill 278 removed Home Rule from cities, villages and townships
regarding oil and gas business. However, citizens should still voice
concerns to elected officials and others.
Representative Jim Buchy, 614-466-6344 rep84@ohiohouse.gov
State Senator Keith Faber, 614-466-7584
SD12@mair.sen.state.oh.us
State Senator Bill Beagle, 614-466-6247
SD05@senate.state.us
Representative
Richard Adams, 614-466-8114
rep80@ohiohouse.gov
House Bill 375, the fracking severance tax bill co-sponsored by Mr.
Buchy, is pending in Columbus. Proceeds are intended to cap orphan
wells, but owners may incur some expenses. The proposed low severance
tax rates seem inadequate to regulate and multi-BILLION dollar oil and
gas industry and clean up their big fracking messes. Damaged
communities will need funds to repair infrastructure compromised by
Class II waste water injection wells.
The proposed "small" personal income tax reduction would not buy clean
drinking water if the sole source aquifer is ruined by toxic toilet
slop from waste water injection wells.
Everyone needs to consider the scientific evidence, or the so-called
"blesses opportunity" extolled by Mr. Buchy becomes a curse to the
agriculture, air, and aquifer. For reliable information go to
www.wofac.org.
Jane Staley
Arcanum
|
|
|
|
