Injection well driller eyes Vienna Township site
VIENNA TWP., Ohio - There's concern in Vienna as people learn that the company that operates five injection wells that have been shut down since a spill last April, could soon be drilling a new well.
Kleese Development Associates is still under a criminal investigation after the spill last April on Sodum Hutchings Road.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources tells 21 News that the company has informed them of plans to drill a new well along State Route 193 in Vienna Township.
Michelle Garman lives next door to where K.D.A may soon be drilling.
She says beyond being an eye sore and affecting her property value, she has health concerns. Especially, after the spill on Sodum Hutchings Road left dead fish floating and an orange substance around a family pond.
"No one can 100% guarantee that there isn't going to be some sort of fall out from it. Like I said, whether its air pollution, water pollution, earthquake, whatever it's not something I think should be in a residential area," said Garman.
O.D.N.R says K.D.A has had a permit to drill since 2013. The permit is set to expire on August 20th. So they expect that if the company drills, it will be soon.
O.D.N.R says that although, the company is under a criminal investigation, there are no laws that prevent them from drilling. However, they will have to get O.D.N.R permission before they begin injecting frack waste at the new site.
Vienna Trustees say the power lies in the hands of the state. But they are trying to prevent K.D.A from drilling until they at least rectify the situation on Sodom Hutchings Road.
"We want assurances from O.D.N.R that this isn't going to occur again," said Trustee Phil Pegg.
Pegg says the township asked county commissioners if they'd help secure an injunction to stop the well.
"They declined due to the fact they're stating that O.D.N.R has exclusive jurisdiction over the wells," said Pegg.
Left in the hands of the state, he hopes that at least the sites in close proximity to the airport may prevent the well from being drilled.
"Anything within three miles of the airport, anything over two stories is under the jurisdiction of the F.A.A. That's to protect the aircraft," said Pegg.
Pegg says, K.D.A has yet to get F.A.A approval.
