15-05-2025
ODNR shuts down Ohio well over earthquake activity
(WKBN) — Seismic activity has forced the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) to shut down a fracking well in Noble County.
Recent earthquake activity has been reported in the area of the well near Pleasant City. The latest report, dated May 8, showed at least 33 people reporting a 'felt' event. On May 6, one felt report was recorded in the same area. On May 2, 12 people reported feeling an earthquake in the area, and then on April 29, 33 reported the same thing.
ODNR spokesperson Karina Cheung confirmed to WKBN 27 First News on Thursday that the agency is looking into the well and the seismic activity near it.
There has been some recent earthquake activity in Noble County due to oil and gas operations, specifically hydraulic fracturing operations by Energy Acquisition Partners (EAP) operating as Encino Energy. Hydraulic fracturing operations have been halted on the well pad.
Some of these earthquakes which occurred in Noble County slightly surpassed magnitudes strong enough to feel.
Karina Cheung, Ohio Departmnet of Natural Resources
Fracking was blamed for the shutdown of a well in the Valley in 2011 after a 4.0 earthquake shook the Youngstown area. The late YSU Professor Dr. Raymond Beiersdorfer said at the time that there were over 700 earthquakes in the Valley, which he said were linked to fracking activity.
Beiersdorfer was a leader in the Valley for trying to put the brakes on fracking and advocating for the ballot initiative 'The Community Bill of Rights,' which would have banned fracking in the area. The issue was never approved.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
