Top of the Ninth, Two Out

I attended a meeting today with Mayor Frank Larson, an Ohio EPA representative, and Cuyahoga Falls water department officials, regarding the proposed gas/oil well at Sonoco property in Munroe Falls. There was a lengthy discussion, complete with colorful maps showing why the water well field supplying our drinking water is particularly susceptible to contamination from a surface spill, especially one originating upstream.

Existing geological survey information suggests that the water supply we drink from sits in a subterranean trough below a loamy layer that affords little protection from a surface spill. Subterranean migration of harmful toxins is also a possibility.

I asked what effect Cuyahoga River flooding would have. Shrugs. How about an earthquake? Shrugs again. Nobody knows.

The discussion was slightly academic at times, although a general consensus seemed to emerge that the stakes in this issue are far too high to be ignored. The EPA representative was pleasant and informative, and while her presentation clearly validated our fears, it was clear that if any neck is to be stuck out making a public statement in opposition to this drilling, it will not be hers.

ODNR's insistent support of its current stand -- in spite of clear and growing local opposition -- is inexplicable, especially when one compares the paltry potential profits from the gas/oil well to the cost and inconvenience that would be required to "clean" a contaminated drinking water supply. The ODNR employees making this decision do not live here, drink the water, or seem to care about local concerns. All they know is that HB278 gives them total authority, and we all know what absolute power does. People 150 miles away will decide issues that should be reserved for local government.

Cuyahoga Falls council has not yet passed a resolution opposing the well, and Mayor Robart is silent. The proposed drilling site may be located in Munroe Falls, but the aquifer is in Cuyahoga Falls. The two communities need to join forces and direct their resources and political influence quickly and persistently.

Top of the ninth, folks, two outs.