Pipeline and natural gas compressor station plans in Ohio are keeping the shale industry alive for now while new drilling wanes, but not all citizens are sure of the benefits and risks of the business.

International Business Times reports that the oil and gas boom has helped some eastern Ohio communities economically, but it has also impacted health and the environment. Millions of gallons of water are used to hydraulically frack wells, and many trucks and equipment are involved in the process. In Carroll and Columbiana counties, as well as in others, the royalty payments for allowing drilling on landowners’ properties doesn’t always outweigh the concerns of the damage that fracking may do to the ground, water and air.

Wastewater injection wells are another concern for eastern Ohio; the wastewater contains harmful substances that can cause cancer and other illnesses. Plus, wastewater injection wells have been the cause of some earthquakes in Ohio as well as other major shale states, causing residents to seek anti-fracking and anti-injection well laws.

Via: International Business Times > Underneath Ohio

Other recent Ohio shale news:

• Ohio lacks midstream infrastructure to get Utica gas to markets July 30, 2015
• Midstream companies faring better than upstream in Ohio July 25, 2015
• Eastern Ohio’s Utica region sees continued housing need for shale workers July 12, 2015
• Geologic differences mean more seismic activity in Ohio than Pennsylvania from injection wells July 4, 2015