Ohio appeals court blocks pipeline construction through preserved farmland
Thursday, April 27, 2023
The Ohio Third District Court of Appeals decided to block the construction of the Columbia Gas pipeline across preserved farmland in Union County on April 17, according to Farm and Dairy.
The court of appeals ruled that Columbia Gas did not show that taking the pipeline easement by eminent domain was necessary for public use. And that the “prior public use” established by the agricultural easement should have been more thoroughly reviewed.
The case was sent back to the county court for additional action.
Learn more: Farm and Dairy > Appeals court halts plans for pipeline through preserved Union Co. farm
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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.