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Advocates, Opponents React to New ODNR Regulations
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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- The Ohio Department of Natural Resources' decision to add new regulations to drilling sites across the state in connection with earthquakes last month in Poland Township is a step in the right direction, but more action is needed, a geologist says.
"I'd like to require companies that if they identify a previous unknown fault, they should report it to ODNR," says Raymond Beiersdorfer, a geology professor at Youngstown State University. "There needs to be some responsibility."
On March 10, a 3.0 magnitude earthquake centered near where Hilcorp Energy Co. was hydraulically fracturing a natural gas well at its Carbon Limestone Landfill pad rumbled through parts of Poland, Boardman and Lowellville.
A series of smaller quakes followed and, at the request of ODNR, Hilcorp suspended its drilling operation there.
On April 11, ODNR issued a report stating that its geologists believed that the quakes were triggered by "sand and water injected into the well during the hydraulic fracturing process that may have increased pressure on an unknown microfault in the area (READ STORY)."
Beiersdorfer says he takes issue with the term microfault. "The word microfault is not a geological term. It's misleading to call it a microfault," he explains.
ODNR has ordered that drilling pads located within two miles of a known fault or an area of seismic activity greater than 2.0 in magnitude be required to install sensitive seismic monitors at the site. Should these monitors detect seismic activity in excess of 1.0, "activities would pause while the cause is investigated," ODNR said. If it's determined that the cause is related to hydraulic fracturing than all operations would be suspended at the well site.
Hilcorp said in a statement April 11 that it is reviewing the new permit conditions.
"While we take the time necessary for understanding how these conditions impact Ohio operations, we remain fully committed to public safety and acting in a manner consistent with being a good corporate citizen in the communities where we operate," the company said.
Hilcorp has completed seven wells at the Carbon Limestone Landfill well and was completing an eighth when the quakes occurred. One of the seven wells is producing, and ODNR says the other six wells could also be placed into production.
The company holds permits for four additional wells at the site.
Beiersdorfer says a similar situation in Blackpool, England, caused that country to stop drilling operations if seismic activity pushed above 0.5 in magnitude.
Beiersdorfer did credit ODNR for responding in a timely fashion, unlike three years ago, he says, when a series of earthquakes that were later tied to an injection well, struck Youngstown. Those studies took eight months, in which ODNR denied any linkage between the Youngstown injection wastewater well and the quakes.
"It's a step in the right direction," he says of the prompt response and the initial regulations. He also urged the agency to publish a finished report on its findings.
State Rep. Bob Hagan, D-Youngstown, who has called for tougher regulations on the industry statewide, says ODNR has been less than forthcoming in the past about information related to fracking and its impact on the environment.
"It was clear to me they were denying it and protecting the industry," Hagan says. "Hydraulic fracturing is causing and will cause these earthquakes, and will endanger the water tables and wells."
However, Hagan says he believes ODNR acted appropriately. "I think they did the right thing, I hope they make it safer and make the industry jump through more hoops," he says, in order to ensure the safety of residents.
Meantime, proponents of the oil and gas industry say its development and growth is critical to the region's and Ohio's economy.
“The chamber continues to support shale development in eastern Ohio and the job creation and investment that have been coming to the Valley, especially through the oil and gas industry’s supply chain," says Tom Humphries, president and CEO of the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber, pointing to the recent opening of Evets Oil & Gas' new fabrication plant today in Hubbard.
“At the same time, we appreciate and support the new regulations being set in place today by ODNR to prevent future drilling near fault lines," Humprhies says. "We want our economy to grow through shale development with a priority on safety to our people and our environment.”
Tom Stewert, executive vice president of the Ohio Oil and Gas Association, said in a statement that the earthquakes in Poland Township are "a rare and isolated event that should not cast doubt about the safety of hydraulic fracturing." He notes that more than one million gas wells have been hydraulically fractured in the United States since the 1950s, including 80,000 in Ohio.
"Though we understand the public’s concern, we encourage an abundance of caution and perspective when evaluating this incident. Ohio has benefitted greatly from a robust oil and gas industry and this should not curtail development," Stewart said.
Stewart adds that OOGA would "thoroughly review the recommendations provided by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, but will only support measures based on sound, scientific principles and practicality."
Copyright 2014 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
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