Ohio Senate committee hears debate on bill to authorize underground limestone mining; residents warn of local impacts

The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on Oct. 12 heard competing testimony on Senate Bill 181, which would establish a process for authorizing underground limestone mining and make other changes to how mining permits and permit amendments are reviewed.

Kathy Estep, a Mad River Township resident and representative of Citizens Against Mining, told the committee she and neighbors oppose provisions in the bill that they say would reduce local control over permit changes and allow large expansions without adequate new review. “It is not reasonable to reduce opportunities for regulation, oversight, and accountability in an industry that swiftly changes the landscape forever,” Estep said. She told senators that within a two-mile radius of the site near Enon there are “more than 700 homeowners” who could be affected if a small gravel pit were expanded to a 420-acre limestone operation.

The testimony focused on three recurring concerns: risks to private wells from dewatering, possible subsidence and structural damage from underground workings, and limits on local zoning and review when permits are amended. Estep said…