Activists speak up about Wayne National Forest drilling
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
In southeastern Ohio, landowners near the Wayne National Forest may be able to lease their properties for oil and gas development, but only after the U.S. Bureau of Land Management gives permission for the forest to be developed, too. The BLM is accepting public comments about the potential for leasing Wayne National Forest acreage for shale development.
Akron Beacon Journal reports that the Athens County Fracking Action Network (ACFAN) is asking for an extension of the BLM public comment period, which is set to be open until May 29, as well as a public hearing.
The announcement of the potential for fracking in the Forest brought up concerns. One concern voiced by activists opposing opening the Wayne National Forest to fracking is the volume of drilling waste received by southeastern Ohio counties and the potential environmental impacts created by disposing of that waste which would increase with fracking in the forest.
Read more: Akron Beacon Journal > Activists want extended comment, hearing on Wayne drilling
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Shale FAQ
What is fracking?
Fracking is a slang term for hydraulic fracturing. Fracturing is a process by which highly pressurized fluid is pumped thousands of feet into the ground to fracture rock formations. The goal is to release the natural gas that’s locked inside the rock.
Is it safe?
What most concerns people about fracturing is ground water contamination. The worry is that fractures underground, caused by the process, will extending upwards and into aquifers, releasing gas and chemicals into the ground water supply. There’s been no confirmed reports of such a thing happening. Though surface spills and drill site blowouts can lead to localized environmental concerns.
Will my water catch on fire?
Flammable water is caused by the release of methane gas into a drinking water supply. Methane gas occurs naturally and can be released by any kind of drilling, including water wells. In Pennsylvania officials fined Chesapeake Energy $1 million for contaminating ground water with methane. It was determined that the company had not properly cemented it’s boreholes and gas migrated up the well, between rock and into aquifers.