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Rep. Dolan defends family's gas drilling
(by Joan Demirjian - December 03, 2008)
Rep. Dolan defends family's gas drilling
By JOAN DEMIRJIAN
State Rep. Matthew Dolan, R-Russell, said last week that he will meet with Bainbridge Trustees to discuss the drilling of a gas and oil well on the Golf Dome property in the township.
Mr. Dolan's family owns the property on East Washington Street, where Chagrin Cinemas is located as well. Bass Energy Co. is to drill the well.
Residents of the Woods of Wembley subdivision north of the commercial property and condominium owners at the Trees on Wren Road recently asked Township Trustees to stop the drilling with an injunction.
Mr. Dolan said he was invited to meet Dec. 8 with trustees, and residents also will be invited. "I want to hear their concerns and see where I can help. We'll talk about the issues," he said.
"I can say with confidence that we will make sure the drilling company follows all procedures, and it will be done in a safe manner."
Mr. Dolan's office in Columbus is working with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources on various issues that have arisen over gas and oil drilling. They will concentrate on what changes can be made to drilling in residential areas, he said.
But it would be difficult to change state laws, Mr. Dolan said. There are a number of down-state legislators who will not want to return to local control over drilling operations, he said. "But that does not mean we can't control safety standards that ODNR has to follow in all drilling, particularly with residential areas," he said. "We can return some control to the townships, but there are a lot of people in the legislature who are against it."
Control over drilling was taken away from cities, villages and townships in Ohio House Bill 278, which was passed before he joined the legislature in 2005, Mr. Dolan said.
Drilling is beneficial for schools and governments, which can save money, he said. "I believe safe drilling on public and commercial property can lead to energy independence and also save money, which is important to our school systems. Over the long run, it is beneficial for all of us."
Residents near the proposed gas-well site at the Golf Dome have said the property owner should provide city water to their homes because of the threat to their water wells.
Mr. Dolan said that is not up to the owners of the property. It is a governmental responsibility, he said.
State Sen. Timothy J. Grendell, R-Chester, asked Mr. Dolan to either oppose the well or urge that it be moved to a location that is as far away as possible from homes and businesses.
While he respects private-property rights, he also understands the fears and concerns of the neighbors, Mr. Grendell.
A gas well drilled on English Drive in Bainbridge leached methane gas into the surrounding aquifer and leaked into local water wells a year ago. The gas exploded in the home of Richard and Thelma Payne last December, and dozens of water wells were contaminated.
Mr. Grendell said he and state Sen. Thomas Niehaus, R-New Richmond, are working on a new bill regarding drilling. "It's going to require notice to townships, an opportunity for input from them, buffering and some inspections," he said.
Mr. Niehaus was the sponsor of H.B. 278, and it's important to have his input and support of any changes, Mr. Grendell said. "If we don't get him on board, nothing's going to happen."
Bainbridge Trustee Matthew Lynch said the meeting with Mr. Dolan will give residents an opportunity to express their concerns to their elected representative and the Golf Dome property owners.
"We need to have a reliable water supply, and I would be concerned about anything that would threaten that supply." Mr. Lynch said he would prefer to prohibit drilling in residential areas in order to preserve ground water. Drilling can take place where there is no risk to public water supplies, he said.
The neighboring residents have asked the township to take injunctive action against the drilling.
"We're consulting our legal counsel," Mr. Lynch said.
Bainbridge Trustee Jeffrey Markley said he's not opposed to gas and oil drilling, "as long as it's done in the right way. My perspective is, I'm not opposed to it if done properly."
When it's as close to homes as the proposed Golf Dome well, there has to be a contingency plan for when things go wrong, he said. If they ruin ground water, they should bring in city water, he said. "A bonding process should hold drillers accountable in these residential areas," Mr. Markley said. "If water systems suffer, they should have a plan in place, and it can't be a 1,500-gallon water tank in someone's garage." He referred to the water being trucked in to houses in the English Drive area.
Mr. Markley said he believes there needs to be statewide changes in laws regarding drilling. "We're dealing with geology, and it changes in the state. So regulations have to deal with geological principles."
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