By GEORGETTE HUFF
Mr. Thrifty
John Bryant, land-acquisition agent for Chesapeake Energy could not have been more clear, telling Carrollton Village Council during the Aug. 8 meeting that "we have about 95 percent of Carroll County leased up" and that "drilling is already here," regardless of whether the village agrees to enter into a lease agreement for approximately 278 acres of village-owned property.
When Bryant asked council members and Mayor David Flanary to clarify their objections to leasing the property, they were equally clear. They do not want to be the ones held responsible if the village's water supply is disrupted or contaminated.
Bryant said there are several clauses covering water issues written into all lease agreements. He explained that water supplies are tested before and after drilling operations begin, and stated that Chesapeake is responsible for resolving any water issues that arise.
However, Bryant could not give specifics as to the manner in which Chesapeake would provide the approximately 350,000 gallons per day that is the current average usage. At that point he said, "The thing about it, drilling is already here."
When council members Dan Locke and Frank Leghart repeated concerns about the water supply, Bryant said, "Let me see what I can get in writing," regarding his company's capability to provide fresh water for all village customers.
Leghart questioned the duration of the company's responsibility for replacing water supplies that have been disrupted by drilling, saying he had heard it is "only 20 years." Bryant did not answer the question directly, saying instead that all rumors of water supplies being disrupted by gas drilling have been "debunked" or proven to have been caused by the release of methane gas related to coal mining.
Leghart described an incident in Orrville in which, due to gas drilling, residents were sickened and their home made uninhabitable.
Bryant said he was unaware of that case, and stated that the "best protection" would be to enter into a lease that specifies each party's responsibility. He reiterated that drilling will take place near the village's water wells, regardless of whether the village agrees to lease the property.
Leghart disagreed with Bryant. From "outside" a lease, Leghart said, there would be no presumption the village should assume responsibility for water issues, but the village likely would bear some degree of responsibility by signing a lease, because the act of signing would denote an awareness of the possibility of damage to the wells or water supply.
Bryant advised checking with state agencies for reports of the "track record" of gas well operations in the state and suggested contacting an attorney versed in lease issues. He said he will check with company officials about providing the village with copies of existing leases with other municipalities.
Water Superintendent Mike Leslie said the Ohio EPA has recommended the village look at Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District's lease as an example of a "good lease."
Bryant repeated again that drilling will happen all around the village's property, and said, "We're talking about a million dollars up front, plus monthly royalty checks."
Leghart replied that he is "not against tapping into natural resources, but we can live without oil and gas ... not without water." He does not want to tell the village, "You can't use the water, but we got a million for it."
In other business, council:
* HEARD from CVB Director Amy Rutledge that "well over 11,000 participants" have registered for the "Warrior Dash." Estimates are that "more than 25,000 people" associated with the event will visit the community over the weekend of Sept. 9-11. From speaking with merchants and officials at other locations that have hosted the dash, Rutledge advises local merchants to be "well-stocked and well-staffed" that weekend.
* AGREED to accept a bid of $45,135.10 from Wendell Ford of Waynesburg, for the purchase of an F-550 dump truck for the water and sewer department. The measure passed on a split vote, with "yes" votes by Wilma Lambert and Mary Ann Miller, a "no" vote from Leghart, and abstentions from Locke and Andy Gonda being counted with Lambert's and Miller's votes.
* REMINDED residents that curb-strip plantings that block fire hydrants are a "no-no."
* HEARD the Zoning Board of Appeals denied requests to install privacy fences on two front yards.
* TABLED a request for a land split in Countryside Estates that has been approved by the Planning Commission until updated maps showing easement locations are provided.
* APPROVED a request for sign on Public Square for Bluebird Farm.
* HEARD that timing of traffic signals continues to be "tweaked."
* APPROVED a request to install signs on existing corporation limit signs commemorating the Hot Stove championship won by Fusion Ceramics' baseball team. Village Administrator Denny Roudebush noted it is the first state championship of any kind for a local team since 1973.
* SET a Street and Alley committee meeting for Aug. 22, 5:30 p.m.
* PAID bills and payroll in the amount of $89,308.19.
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