Buckeye Environmental Network Appalachian Organizer Bev Reed addressed concerns about Class I and II injection wells in Washington County during the public comment segment of the Washington County Commission meeting Thursday. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

MARIETTA — Members from the Washington County for Safe Drinking Water Committee came to the Washington County Commissioners with their concerns in regards to Class I and Class II injection well permits on Thursday.

Some of those present at the meeting included members from the Buckeye Environmental Network who have made an effort to raise awareness about potential migration of waste from the injection wells operating on old state permits.

“We can only learn from each other, we can learn from you what you know and you can learn from us what we know but let’s work as a team,” said Dee Arnold, a member of the committee. “If you would come to our meetings, I believe you were invited to all these meetings we’ve had and we’ve not seen you.”

Class I and II injection wells are used to inject hazardous and non-hazardous wastes into isolated rock formations at high pressures, according to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.

Marietta City Council recently presented a proposed moratorium to the state with studies collected from geologists and specialists asking for a three-year pause on injection well permits. The council has also established an ad hoc advisory team of specialists who are currently reviewing any effects of the injection wells.

Buckeye Environmental Network Appalachian Organizer Bev Reed said they’ve conducted thorough research with various specialists and presented some of the findings. Reed said there could be extreme pressure on the abandoned wells and weaknesses within the rocks.

“Those variables and the unknowns add uncertainties to the already complex geologic nature of the subsurface strata,” said Reed. “If we inject waste and it moves to upper layers or to a producing aquifer in the city, the damage cannot be undone.”

Commissioner Charlie Schilling said the commissioners have worked diligently to ensure the county has safe water.

“We’ve had many conversations with petroleum engineers and are trying to better understand the concerns that come with the injection well industry,” he said. “We’ve spent a lot of time on this issue.”

Schilling said they would be happy to attend any of the meetings and they’ve had several meetings within the past four years with both the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and Ohio Department of Natural Resources about the topic.

“If there’s a need for change, that’s going to have to come from Columbus,” said Schilling. “I want to assure you that safe water is a top priority in this office and we’ve spent a lot of time, done a lot of research, and spent many hours with folks trying to better understand it.”

Reed presented the commissioners with the moratorium passed by the council a few weeks ago. She said they should read it and learn more so action can be taken.

“You all do have some power here at the county level just like all the water authorities have done and now the City of Marietta is doing; they’re doing everything they can and you all should join them,” said Reed.

According to the final, unofficial election results from the Washington County Board of Elections on Tuesday, the tax levy for the Washington County Board of Developmental Disabilities didn’t pass. Director Tiffany Neill said during the public comment segment of the meeting that they are currently trying to build partnerships to fill the gaps.

“Our services will be affected which of course affects our individuals so our hope is that we will be back on the ballot in May,” she said. “I certainly want to thank those of you who did vote for the levy and those who had reached out to me directly or some of my staff members in support of us.”

OhioMeansJobs is accepting donations for kids’ coats throughout the month of November. Donations can be made at the courthouse, the health department and the Job and Family Services building.

Amber Phipps can be reached at aphipps@newsandsentinel.com