Summary
The Buckeye Environmental Network has filed a lawsuit against the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) over its approval of permits for two oil and gas waste injection wells near a city's water source. The lawsuit claims that the permits were approved based on outdated safety rules and that this could threaten local drinking water. The ODNR states it evaluated the permits under the rules that existed at the time of the application.
Key Facts
- The Buckeye Environmental Network sued the ODNR on November 7 in the Franklin County 10th District Court of Appeals.
- The group challenges the approval of two oil and gas waste injection wells near Marietta, Ohio's water source.
- The lawsuit claims the permits were granted using old safety rules instead of updated 2022 regulations.
- Injection wells are used to dispose of oil and gas industry wastewater.
- Concerns exist that these wells could leak, contaminating water and soil.
- Washington County, Ohio, currently has 17 active waste injection wells.
- Between 2015 and 2024, Washington County’s wells received 2.4 billion gallons of wastewater.
- The ODNR stated that if the wells begin operation, they must meet the current safety standards.
