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Statement from Ohio Department of Natural Resources:
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“On December 21, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ (ODNR) Division of Oil and Gas Resources Management received a call regarding possible methane migration into a residential water well. The Portage County inspector and one of the division’s hydrogeologists arrived on that same date in response to this call. The initial field investigation was conducted, and water samples were collected. Prior to the drilling in the area, water samples were collected and analyzed as required. This preliminary water test indicated that dissolved methane, along with elevated chloride and total dissolved solids, which exceed U.S. EPA Secondary Drinking Water Standards, were present in the water well prior to any oil and gas drilling. The water well in question was found to be drilled into shale, which is known to contain methane and is naturally occurring. At this time, the groundwater investigation is ongoing.
ODNR’s top priority is to protect public health and safety, which is why we successfully insisted Senate Bill 315 include stringent regulations and water testing requirements throughout the drilling process to properly address potential health and environmental concerns. As a regulatory authority, we take water contamination reports very seriously and will continue to investigate all claims. If need be, ODNR has regulatory authority to require water supply replacement if a water supply is impacted by an oil and gas operation. “
Statement from Mountaineer Keystone regarding Kline family case:
“Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) regulations require pre-drill testing of well water within 1500 feet of a proposed drill site. Exceeding regulations, we tested the Kline residence, which lies beyond the required the distance. At the Kline’s request, we funded an independent lab of their choosing. Those results showed elevated methane levels in their well water existed prior to the start of any drilling activity. We are supporting ODNR regarding its inquiry into the Kline’s issue. ODNR has also verified that there are many natural variables that can cause the levels of methane to change.”
Statement from Dan Alfaro, spokesman, Energy in Depth:
"Ohio is widely recognized as has having one of the most robust and transparent regulatory structures in the nation in all aspects involved in oil and gas development. This industry is regulated by numerous bodies of oversight at both the state and federal levels, and it is in working within this structure that we can continue to safely and responsibly develop our vast energy resources."
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