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Residents press commissioners on injection wells and drinking-water safety; industry offers context
Summary
Public commenters told Washington County commissioners that ODNR — not EPA — oversees injection-well permitting in Ohio and reported experts' uncertainty about radioactive waste in wells; an Ohio Oil & Gas Association representative provided industry statistics and urged continued dialogue.
Residents at the Washington County commissioners meeting on Dec. 18 urged county officials to scrutinize permitting and potential risks from injection wells, and an industry representative provided context on state injection volumes.
Dee Arnold, representing the Washington County for Safe Drinking Water Committee, told commissioners that at a recent committee meeting state regulators (ODNR) — not the Environmental Protection Agency — oversee permitting of injection wells in Ohio and that three experts who spoke at the meeting “said no one knows what is happening with the radioactive waste in the wells.” Arnold thanked Commissioners Place and Nohe for attending the meeting and asked for their thoughts.
Vice President Eddie D. Place said he had listened carefully and that he is concerned about protecting safe drinking water, adding he is not an expert. Commissioner Ronald G. Nohe said the issue is important and he respects the experts’ opinions. Commissioner Charlie L. Schilling said clean water is a top priority for the board.
George Banziger, a Devola resident, said he believes it is “ill advised to base economic development on injection wells” and urged commissioners to support community members who raised concerns.
Mike Chadsey of the Ohio Oil & Gas Association gave an industry perspective, saying Ohio injects about 1% of the nation's brine and that injected volumes in Ohio are declining. Chadsey also summarized the six classes of injection wells and noted a local company, Pioneer Pipe, plays a role in the regional industry. He said continued discussion on the topic is important.
The meeting record shows these comments were part of the public-comment portion of the agenda; no formal county action on injection wells or permitting was taken during the session. Commissioners asked staff to rely on facts and further study as they form positions.
The board will consider further information as it becomes available; no regulatory changes were proposed or adopted at the Dec. 18 meeting.
