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South Russell calls for moratorium on drilling
(by Joan Demirjian - December 30, 2009)
South Russell calls for moratorium on drilling
By JOAN DEMIRJIAN
South Russell Village Council is urging the state to place a moratorium on oil- and gas-well drilling in heavily populated residential areas until amendments are made to the Ohio Revised Code.
The resolution requests the state to put a moratorium on gas- and oil-well drilling throughout Ohio until changes occur to the legislation, according to South Russell Mayor Matt Brett.
The resolution was shared by Moreland Hills Village with South Russell, he said.
"There have been a lot of issues involving drilling in Ohio," Mr. Brett said.
"It's a wise thing to do from a safety standpoint," he said of the moratorium.
It is important to ensure there are no further issues as have occurred in the last four to five years, including Bainbridge, with water wells, and in Gates Mills Village, which has had fire and safety issues with gas wells, he said.
"It is a scary proposition when wells go in and not all safety precautions are taken," Mr. Brett said.
The village has a few wells within its boundaries, including one drilled off Bell Road, without issues. One on Snyder Road was started but was not successful because of issues with drilling, he said.
The resolution notes that Ohio House Bill 278 gave the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mineral Resources Management, exclusive authority to regulate permitting, location and spacing of oil and gas wells. The bill eliminated local government control over regulating oil and gas exploration.
Oil- and gas-well drilling in heavily populated residential areas raises concerns, including noise 24 hours a day during the drilling process, potential for well-water contamination and safety issues to surrounding residents if explosions occur, according to the resolution.
South Russell Councilwoman Mary Beth Wolfe said the moratorium request supports other communities and urges the state to delay further drilling.
Several years ago, before legislation was passed, South Russell and other communities were in charge of regulations regarding drilling within their borders, she said. "And the state took it away, and we are advocating it comes back to the local municipalities."
The resolution urges a return to local control and other measures, including protection of the environment and financial and legal liability. It will be sent to Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland and state legislators.
Russell Township also is going forward with the request for a moratorium, using the South Russell resolution.
Russell Trustee James Mueller said, "We are going to have water wells and septic systems into perpetuity, yet the state legislature has decided to strip local communities of any regulations."
He said bonds should be posted for environmental and road damage."
Bainbridge Trustee Matthew Lynch said, "I completely support the South Russell request for a moratorium."
Drilling in residential areas is a hazard to homes and water, he said. "It shouldn't be allowed."
Drilling should take place where townships, cities and villages direct them to drill, he said.
Those decisions should not be made in Columbus. Local zoning authorities should determine those issues, Mr. Lynch said.
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