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Schiavoni Proposes New Drilling Safeguards
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- State Sen. Joe Schiavoni introduced legislation this week to improve safety measures related to oil and gas drilling.
If approved, Senate Bill 378 would double to 300 feet the previous minimum distance a well or storage tank can be from an occupied dwelling or home. Current law stipulates wells “shall not be within 150 feet” from a dwelling.
“As the number of signed oil and gas leases continue to grow, it is critical that our state takes proactive measures regarding the safety of homeowners,” said Schiavoni, D-33, Boardman. “This legislation would give an added level of protection to ensure that there is an adequate distance between a well and a home.”
Additionally, the legislation expands safeguards for storage tanks, also called tank batteries, which store oil and brine. These liquids can be highly flammable and dangerous if not stored properly. The bill would extend safety precautions now in place for tanks in urban areas to cover all storage tanks throughout the state, regardless of location. Some of the safeguards tanks must be equipped with include a functioning lighting arrestor, proper sealing hatches, pressure relief valves for vent stacks and other measures.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.