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The Aug. 27 article titled "Knox Energy disconnects service for 43 customers in Belpre area" neglected to note that dozens of Wilson Energy production wells now spew toxic, radioactive wastewater (aka brine) that has migrated from injection wells - instead of natural gas and oil. The number of local production wells destroyed by brine penetration has increased in the past few years. As owner Bob Wilson stated, “conditions have worsened.”
The fractured geology of Washington County is not suitable for the high-pressure and ever increasing volume of brine that is being pumped into it. The 43 customers of Knox Energy are the second (after Bob Wilson and other numerous small-scale local oil and gas producers) to confront the mounting problems and ongoing threats injection wells pose. Tens of thousands of us will be affected if the migrating brine reaches our municipal aquifers -- the source of our drinking water
Rural residents north of Belpre who use their own private wells for drinking water would be wise to have it tested for possible contamination from migrating injection well brine. Washington County for Safe Drinking Water is seeking such households as we prepare to undertake and seek funding for such private testing. For more information, see washingtoncountyforsafedrinkingwater.org, email safedrinkingwater.oh@gmail.com, or call us at (740) 401-9868
Dawn Hewitt
Marietta