ST. CLAIRSVILLE New developments have occurred in the Omni Energy Group injection well site at the intersection of U.S. 40 and Ohio 331, with the possibilit
ST. CLAIRSVILLE The future of an injection well site at the intersection of U.S. 40 and Ohio 331 is in question due to a lawsuit filed by the drilling company that worked on the site. The Belmont County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that an online foreclosure sale of the property is scheduled for May 11, […]
ST. CLAIRSVILLE The future of an injection well site at the intersection of U.S. 40 and Ohio 331 is in question due to a lawsuit filed by the drilling com
Staff Writer
ST. CLAIRSVILLE Work on two saltwater injection wells by Omni Energy Co. in East Richland will proceed after a conflict with the Ohio Department of Transportation was resolved.
The project faced stiff local opposition since the announcement in December that the Ohio Department of Natural Resources had approved the permit. Area officials and residents expressed concern about the proximity of homes, county buildings, Belmont County Correctional Institution and educational centers, as well as expected heavy truck traffic that would accompany such a project.
Omni officials said all studies were completed and state inspectors are on site monitoring operations. Drilling of the first well is underway, according to Stephanie O’Grady, spokeswoman for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The company is scheduled to complete cementing of that shaft this week.
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.