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Russell braces for more gas-well drilling
(by Joan Demirjian - December 16, 2009)
Russell braces for more gas-well drilling
By JOAN DEMIRJIAN
The specter of an increase in gas wells being drilled in Russell is a concern to Township Trustees, as well as residents.
Several permits have been applied for by drilling companies, Russell Zoning Inspector Richard Machnics said. A lot of area in neighhboring Chester is drilled out, and Russell is likely to see more drilling, he said.
"That's the primary reason they are moving here, according to the state division of natural resources," he said.
Trustee James Mueller said three to four wells are going in the northern part of the township. "I'm really concerned about what's going on," he said.
Mr. Machnics said the state does its best in pre-drilling meetings. "We make recommendations, and, generally, the state will issue those recommendations and make sure the well drillers will comply," he said.
"Those drilling rigs are 120,000 to 140,000 pounds," Mr. Mueller said. If they tear up the roads, it would be wise to have photographs of the roads in their original condition, he said.
Road Superintendent Gene Layne said he documents road conditions before drilling rigs are brought in, but the township might have to develop a bonding policy.
Trustee Kristina Port said there is a push now because of pending bills that would cause increased fees for drillers.
"If we feel strongly, we should write letters," she said of addressing state legislators.
Trustees planned this week to review South Russell Village's proposed resolution on gas and oil wells.
Because oil- and gas-well drilling in residential areas cause problems, including noise, the potential for well-water contamination and safety issues, South Russell is asking for a moratorium on drilling in those areas.
The state gave the Ohio Department of Natural Resources exclusive authority over drilling, taking away all authority from local governments to control drilling within their borders.
Russell Trustees have supported efforts by state Sen. Timothy J. Grendell, R-Chester, to restore local control.
Mr. Mueller said, starting three to four years ago, the state took away communities' ability to say where well drilling will take place in a township, village or city.
"We should have some control over that," he said, but the state believes it needs to "save us from energy insignificance."
Mr. Mueller said, "They would drill through the state capital if they could."
Wells should not be sandwiched between houses, he said. "We should have some say so."
There have been incidents where there are leaks, including brine and oil from gas wells that have been drilled, he said.
Mr. Mueller said he would like to see a measure in which townships, cities and villages could request a bond from the drillers to cover damages to the roads.
Trustee James Dickinson said the township has been getting calls and notes from residents concerned about drilling near their homes and asking what is being done about it in the township. "We get letters from residents, and I hate to say there is nothing we can do," he said, but the trustees have no say anymore.
Ohio House Bill 278 gave exclusive control over drilling to the ODNR.
In the past, gas drilling was generally done on farms or where there was city water, and people did not depend on aquifers for water, Mr. Dickinson said. "Now, they are drilling in Chester, Russell and Bainbridge, in populated areas, and they depend on the aquifer."
Chester is drilled out, and drillers are moving to Russell, he said.
Mr. Grendell said Senate Bill 165, a measure that was intended to address some of the issues of drilling in residential areas, passed out of the Natural Resources Committee last week.
Mr. Grendell has argued the bill is not strong enough and pushed for amendments to the bill, including requiring distances from residents of 300 feet to 1,000 feet. The bill requires a 150-foot distance.
The committee did not adopt his amendments and S.B. 165 is expected to pass out of the Senate this week and go to the House of Representatives.
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