New restrictions on proposed injection wells officially in place in Fayette County
A newly strengthened, amended ordinance for injection wells in Fayette County was officially adopted last week.
The ordinance further limits where the wells, which dispose of fracking fluids from oil and gas production underground, can be placed.
Among the changes is a requirement that the wells be 2,500 feet from home, schools, hospitals or other buildings. That setback is stricter than the state requirement of 500 feet.
The amendment also allows wells of specific classes to be used by special exceptions in areas that are zoned M-1 light industrial or M-2 heavy industrial.
The commissioners approved the change last Thursday.
The updated requirements come after a company applied for an injection well permit in Nicholson Township last July. The well would’ve disposed of fluids into the township’s Balltown Sandstone Formation about 3,400 feet underground.
Community members, elected officials and groups like the Mountain Watershed Association opposed the application, voicing concerns that fracking water contains hazardous materials and could threaten public and private water supplies.
The following month, the company withdrew its application.
Commissioners Scott Dunn, Dave Lohr and Vince Vicites initially proposed an amendment to the zoning ordinance earlier this year, but tabled it after a member of the MWA questioned if it went far enough.
“Everybody wanted an outright ban, but that’s not legally possible and could put the county in jeopardy if it’s ever challenged,” Commissioner Scott Dunn said. “We restricted it as much as our solicitor said we’re legally allowed.”
James Cato, regional organizer with MWA, praised the amendment.
“This is not only a critical step toward protecting Fayette County from injection wells, but 100% the result of local advocacy from residents passionate about their community,” Cato said. “When the first injection well was proposed in Fayette County last year, the community pushed back and the company withdrew. Our elected officials listened and now our community is more protected from similar proposals in the future.”