August 2, 2009-
Stow — Ohio’s restrictions on natural gas drilling are much too lax, Stow Council members believe.
So Council is supporting a bill proposed by state Sen. Timothy Grendell of Chesterland that would put stricter gas drilling laws in place.
It was in response to Stow Community United Church of Christ considering the installation of a natural gas well.
Councilmembers unanimously voted July 23 to support Northeast Ohio Gas Accountability Project, which also aims to restrict natural gas drilling.
Mayor Karen Fritschel, agreeing with Council, said Ohio laws are more lenient than those in any other state.
“Now, communities in Ohio have almost no control,” she said. “So we are supporting Sen. Grendell’s bill.”
Stow officials said they are appalled that, according to the law, drilling can be done within 100 feet of a home.
“I wouldn’t want it within 100 feet of my home,” Fritschel said. “I don’t think a lot of people would.”
Council President Ron Alexander agreed, saying, “A 100-foot minimum is ludicrous.”
Council Vice President Mary Bednar said while the bill is much stricter than the current laws, “There have been some catastrophic incidents,” adding that it doesn’t mean all of them are catastrophic.
Dan and Denise Tonelli, who live on Pilgrim Drive near the church, strongly oppose natural gas drilling on the site. Both were at the July 23 meeting.
“We are so glad that the city is looking to support this,” she said. “This is becoming a huge problem.”
Dan Tonelli said, “At first, we felt alone. This support means a lot to us. It sends a message.”
Rich Reinhart, the Stow church’s council president, believes the proposed project is safe. It would raise money to offset a dwindling church congregation.
Beck Energy of Ravenna would do the drilling if a deal is reached with the church.
David Beck, president of the company, said Beck Energy has 300 wells in 10 Ohio counties including Munroe Falls, Cuyahoga Falls and Ravenna.
Although a state committee could rule that the project could go forward because a vast majority of residents are on board — called mandatory pooling, which is similar to eminent domain — Alexander confirmed July 23 that Beck withdrew his request for mandatory pooling in August.
Grendell’s bill, if approved, would:
* Change the required setback minimum from 100 feet to 3,000 feet.
* Eliminate mandatory pooling.
* Not allow permits to be obtained until companies’ previous violations have been corrected.
* Ban open waste pits.
* Limit drilling within 1,000 feet of a lake bed.
Alexander said he is not sure if Stow Council’s support will affect the situation at the church because Grendell’s bill has not been approved.
No official decision has been made by the church, 1567 Pilgrim Drive, Stow. Reinhart said the congregation will ultimately decide.
Original source: http://www.stowsentry.com/news/article/4639061
