NEOGAP.ORG

NEOGAP (Northeast Ohio Gas Accountability Project) is a project that formed after several founding members came together as a result of the negative impacts of gas drilling operations in our neighborhoods from 2006 to present.

In 2004 legislation was passed which placed sole permitting/regulating authority in the hands of one state department (ODNR). Despite much opposition from citizens and local leaders 98% of permits have been approved in the last 5 years without regard to zoning ordinances resulting in 1000's of wells placed in highly inappropriate areas such as 100 ft from residences and schools. Our ultimate goal is to improve the gas/oil law in Ohio to restore consideration to public safety, but along the way we are finding it equally important to educate and unite citizens and municipalities. Many of us were affected by the 2007 'Bainbridge incident' which occurred as a result of a local gas and well servicing company's alleged negligent drill site operations. One house exploded while numerous others still have explosive levels of gas today and all are still without well water as it is contaminated. Some of us live on a street that according to reports by the Lake County Department of Health and environmental consultants experienced a leak of lethal hydrogen sulfide gas from a drill rig 1/2 mile away (2,600 feet). The hydrogen sulfide cloud entered homes in the summer when the windows were open. At least one family was sent to the ER at 3:00 a.m. Luckily no one died. That week, people on the street suffered nose bleeds, debilitating headaches, chemical bronchitis, and muscle spasms.

NEOGAP believes it is essential to establish balanced reform of gas and oil law to protect workers, residents and the environment. Our research shows that numerous other states have already implemented these reasonable protections for this very reason.