WHEN SHALE DEVELOPMENT COMES TO TOWN…
Who ever thought it would come to the Cuyahoga Valley…. but in the last few months I have had heard from residents receiving offers to lease or purchase their mineral rights. You have probably seen or read the news on this natural gas “gold rush” sweeping several states, including Ohio. These shale formations and their energy resources are projected to be a great opportunity for Ohio landowners, and our State economy. But everything comes with a price. The processes known as hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking”, and horizontal drilling have been the talk of much controversy and concern across the country, and rightfully so.
I recently had the opportunity to tour Wetzel County, WV where 38 horizontal wells have been drilled, with another 140 wells under permit. The tour is designed to educate landowners and public officials on just how large and industrial the hydraulic drilling, extraction, processing, and transmission operations are. The tour was eye opening. The stress on landowners, neighbors, local roads and services, and the environment can be staggering. Communities have little power to control these installations as the permitting process is regulated at the state level. Ohio is projecting that thousands of horizontal wells will be drilled in the state over the next five years.
So, how do we protect our land, our community, and the future of our Valley? It starts with education. Whether you are a land owner, public official, concerned citizen, or an interested resident, we all need to be educated on the shale boom, oil and gas industry, and mineral rights. If you are a landowner considering options on your mineral rights, then you must, “Learn before you Lease.”
Join me on Wednesday, March 21st, at the Boston Township Hall from 7:00pm to 9:00pm for an educational forum on shale development and oil and gas leasing. I am pleased to have presenting, Dale Arnold, Director of Energy Services for the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, and Matt Warnock, co-chair of the Shale Task Force. Many of you might know Dale Arnold as he has spent a good amount of time in the Valley and considers himself an honorarium resident of Peninsula, and understands the rural and historic character of the Valley. Dale has been conducting briefings across the state on the oil and gas industry development, landowner issues, regulations, and local government impacts. Matt Warnock represents public and private landowners in matters relating to oil and gas leasing and shale development and has also been traversing the state presenting to landowners, communities, and trade associations.
With their incredibly busy schedule these days, we are very fortunate to have both of these industry experts come to Peninsula so please plan to attend.
Questions? Feel free to contact me at 330-657-2713 or dholody@yahoo.com.
Boston Township hall is located at the corner of Rt. 303 and Riverview Rd, Peninsula, OH.
| Dee Holody |