Staff Writer
ST. CLAIRSVILLE Jill Hunkler of Barnesville spoke to the Belmont County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday, asking members to further oppose a plan to install two saltwater injection wells at the intersection of U.S. 40 and Ohio 331.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources issued permits late in 2020 to New Jersey-based Omni Energy Co. permitting the wells. Multiple local residents and officials have objected and raised a variety of concerns ranging from pollution to ground stability and increased truck traffic.
There are several residences, businesses and county agencies in the surrounding area, along with the Belmont Correctional Institution state prison.
Staff Writer
T-L File Photo
Area officials and residents continue to express worries about two saltwater injection wells Omni Energy Co. intends to place near the intersection of U.S. 40 and Ohio 331.
ST. CLAIRSVILLE Belmont County officials were disppointed and dismayed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ approval of a permit for New Jersey-based Omni Energy Co. to place two saltwater injection wells at the intersection of U.S. 40 and Ohio 331.
The Ohio Supreme Court had ordered ODNR to make a decision regarding the permit. This occurred after a lawsuit filed by Robert E. “Bob” Murray, who has since died, had delayed the process since April. Murray’s filing argued that there should be a public hearing on the matter to allow nearby residents to voice their concerns. The coronavirus pandemic had prevented such a gathering, the High Court ruled that such a meeting was not required.