94 injection and monitoring wells being installed in Austintown for groundwater cleanup

Crews are installing 94 injection and monitoring wells at 428 Thacher Lane in Austintown Township as part of a state-approved groundwater cleanup plan led by Texas-based HPC Industrial.

According to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, 32 injection wells and 20 monitoring wells have already been installed since spring.

Ohio EPA documents show the wells are classified as Class V injection wells, which are designed to clean up existing contamination, not dispose of waste or extract resources.

These wells operate at a lower pressure than traditional injection wells.

The plan calls for injecting a mixture of emulsified vegetable oil, zero-valent iron, sodium ascorbate, water and microbe culture into the ground to break down contaminants left behind from the site’s industrial past.

The Ohio EPA approved the project under a rule that does not require a traditional permit but requires monthly reporting. 

Safety documents describe the injected materials as low hazard when handled properly, but note that zero-valent iron powder can self-combust if it dries out, and the process can release flammable hydrogen gas.

HPC Industrial has not yet responded to requests for comment.

The Ohio EPA said it is preparing a response to explain more about the project, and Austintown Township officials said they have no jurisdiction over it.