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A new bill would redirect money paid to a state agency to the local communities that host injection wells.
Ohio House Bill 578 was announced Thursday by Ohio Reps. Glenn Holmes, D-Girard, and Michael J. O'Brien, D-Warren, and would affect fees paid by outside companies who store fracking wastewater in Ohio injection wells, according to a news release from the representatives.
The proposal, awaiting committee assignment in the House, would send 37.5 percent of out-of-district injection well fees to the local communities where the wells are located. The fees now are turned over to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, which oversees state injection wells. The other portion of the funds would remain with ODNR.
Holmes said his office is still waiting on figures to see how much money the bill could generate in local communities or cost the state agency.
"All we are asking for is that ODNR and the injection well industry be good community partners in dealing with this very sensitive issue," said Holmes. "We think it is only fair that the community see some type of remediation for the impacts of dumping in our communities."
The bill also doubles the setback requirement for the surface of the well from 150 feet to 300 feet. O'Brien said the larger setback is more "aesthetically appropriate."
Under the bill, the owners of new wells would have to get written permission from property owners to set up within 300 feet of certain types of occupied buildings and areas with lakes, streams and other bodies of water.
Holmes said he believes the bill is a good balance between being friendly to businesses and recognizing the concerns of local communities affected by the wells, who largely have no say in where a well can be placed.
A bill introduced in 2016 by then-State Rep. Sean O'Brien, D-Bazetta, who is now a state senator, would have increased the setback allowance to 2,000 feet, but the bill did not make it out of the House's energy and natural resources committee.
Brookfield Trustee Gary Lees said he has been in contact with Holmes about the bill and hopes it could help cover infrastructure costs.
"We are against any injection wells, but if we can't stop them, we are looking at a fee to be paid to the township. At least this way, if we can't stop them, we can at least get something from them," Lees said.
Trustees on Monday heard concerns from Brookfield Township residents living near an injection well. Noise and truck traffic begin at 5:30 a.m., and within 50 feet of homes, residents reported.
There are 21 injection wells in Trumbull County, including the two in Brookfield on state Route 7, just north of Wyngate Mobile Home Park. There are plans for Highland Field Services to build three more near the same spot in Brookfield.