Evacuation order lifted following Tuesday gas leak in Columbiana

Over 24 hours after an evacuation order was put in place in Columbiana following a gas leak, officials have lifted the order allowing residents to come back home.

During a Wednesday afternoon press conference, First Assistant Fire Chief for the Columbiana Fire Department, Frank Nulf announced that the evacuation order has officially been lifted after discussions with EMA and EPA officials.

Despite this however, the area between Route 558 and Crestview Road will remain closed in order for crews to demobilize heavy equipment, but residents who live in this area may still travel to their homes.

"We just want people to be safe when they are returning home [and] continue to respect the barricades that are in place," Columbiana County EMA Director, Peggy Clark said.

The barricades will be manned until all heavy material is off of the pad.

Fred Romeo of ODNR explained that a specialized well contractor, Wild Well Control was able to remove equipment and debris along the wellhead in order to pump freshwater kill fluid to reduce the flow of gas. The wellhead is secure and the flow of gas has stopped at this time.

Ohio EPA officials say all air monitoring remained in normal parameters and there is no cause for concern in regards to air quality at this time.