COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has implemented new construction rules for oil and gas well pads that they say will offer better protection for Ohioans. 

ODNR says it has been working with drillers over the years to provide the best practices for constructing horizontal well pads.

On Tuesday, ODNR issued stricter construction standards designed to provide a safer foundation for drilling rigs and production facilities throughout Ohio.

ODNR says the new rules will ensure public safety and environmental protection by minimizing damages to natural resources. The department says the result will be better management of storm water, ensuring clean surface water and reducing soil erosion. 

Operators will be required to submit a detailed horizontal well pad site plan, which must be certified by a professional engineer. The plan will then be passed on to ODNR Division of Oil and Gas Resources Management and reviewed prior to the construction of the well pad.

The detailed plan will provide drawings of well pad features, an emergency release conveyance map, a geotechnical report, and a sediment and erosion control plan.

In order to ensure the compliance of the new standards, engineers will inspect the sites during each stage of construction.

According to ODNR, the new rules are the most comprehensive and proactive horizontal well pad regulations in the country. 

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