After witnessing the drilling equipment, pipelines and gas wells strewn across the now-leveled, muddy landscape of Wetzel County, W.Va., earlier this month, a group of Athens residents returned with a firsthand look at the effects of hydraulic fracturing sites and the possible future of Athens County.
Councilwoman Michele Papai, D-3rd Ward, Ann Brown and Al Blazevicius presented what they saw during their Jan. 9 visit in a report at the Athens County Commissioners meeting Tuesday. The group shared its observations on the effects of hydraulic fracturing sites run by Chesapeake Energy, an oil-and-gas corporation purchasing mineral rights leases in Athens County.
The group urged the commissioners to begin a strategic planning process to develop a proactive approach to “fracking” in the county.
“We need to encourage citizens to know what’s going on and pull in all facets of the issue,” Papai said. “We cannot be fragmented, and we look to our leaders to push for that.”
Papai said the interest in creating a strategic committee is huge and could lead to interaction and collaboration between city officials, county officials and citizens. Though she said she understands many of the concerns about fracking are regulated by the state, Papai added that a local push for a change is just as important.
Commissioner Larry Payne said many opponents of fracking have approached him about creating regulations about air, water and land pollution, but it is not the county’s jurisdiction because of state and federal law.
“As much as we would like to be able to help in every way, we have to work on what we are allowed to work on,” Payne said.
Along with many of the negative environmental effects — such as chemical spillage and air, water and land pollution — Brown said deteriorating roads and changes in the quality of life were evident in Wetzel.
In the report, numerous Wetzel residents reported day-to-day problems with traffic and road safety. On its tour, the group witnessed a truck accident caused by a road giving out because of soil erosion.
“Here in Athens, we have neighbors against neighbors. If there is anything found under Athens County then we need to bring people together to maintain our quality of life,” Brown said.
Payne said the commissioners have been and will continue to be proactive regarding the safety of the county, adding that two committees have been formed to create emergency action plans and better communication between all safety providers.
The Local Emergency Planning Committee consists of many emergency response teams including police, fire and Athens County Emergency Medical Services and is coordinated by Fred Davis, Athens County Emergency Management director. Payne, who is part of the committee, said it will create different plans for accidents that could occur while drilling.
The Communication Tactical Advisory Committee will help advise the 911 services and any other police if any accident should occur.
Payne also said a road use agreement is being drafted by the commissioners that will require companies to maintain and fix all roads they use during their time in the county.
Commissioner Lenny Eliason said that along with letting the public know more about the committees, writing to state and federal officials is also highly encouraged.
“I know many people from Athens have protested against fracking and letting your voice be heard on the state level is an important part of this,” Eliason said.
Though Papai said she was unaware the commissioners had formed the two committees, she said they do not address all of the aspects that could be tackled.
“We need a broader committee than what they have described, one that addresses air, land and water protection,” Papai said. “We have to protect Athens from the bottom looking up in this situation, and we have to stand together.”
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