Expanding Shale Drilling Operations Across Jefferson County, Ohio: Insights from Past Experiences
In the heart of Ohio, Jefferson County has navigated the challenges and opportunities presented by the early stages of oil and gas development in the Marcellus and Utica/Point Pleasant Shale plays. By adopting strategic planning, the county has managed to reap benefits and mitigate potential risks.
The planning process began in earnest in 2011, following the approval of the first horizontal well permit in late 2009. Recognising the need for a collaborative approach, county commissioners sought out secondary leaders from various departments and community bodies. This inclusive committee included representatives from the Chamber of Commerce, Regional Planning Commission, County Engineer, Job and Family Services, Water and Sewer Department, 911 Call Center, Community Action Council, Educational Services Center, and the oil and gas industry.
The Jefferson County Oil and Gas Committee, as it came to be known, was instrumental in guiding community planning around oil and gas development. The committee's broad representation from the business, non-profit, and public sectors, as well as citizens, ensured a balanced approach to the challenges at hand.
The committee's strategic planning efforts focused on several key areas:
1. **Infrastructure Planning**: Road maintenance and emergency response capabilities were enhanced to accommodate increased traffic and heavy equipment usage, and to prepare for potential hazards associated with oil and gas operations.
2. **Regulatory Framework**: Zoning ordinances and regulations were developed or updated to manage the placement and operation of oil and gas facilities, while maintaining a balance between economic benefits, environmental concerns, and public health.
3. **Community Engagement**: Transparent information was provided to the community about the benefits and risks of oil and gas development, and dialogue was fostered between local residents, businesses, and energy companies to address concerns and align interests.
4. **Economic Development**: Training programs were established to prepare local workers for jobs in the oil and gas industry, and efforts were made to diversify local economies to minimise dependency on a single industry.
5. **Environmental and Health Monitoring**: Monitoring programs for air and water quality were established, and health impact assessments were conducted to understand and mitigate potential health risks associated with oil and gas operations.
6. **Legal and Financial Preparations**: Legal counsel was sought to negotiate favourable agreements with energy companies and to address legal challenges related to development. Financial strategies were developed to manage revenue streams effectively, including budgeting for potential costs associated with infrastructure maintenance and environmental remediation.
These recommendations reflect common considerations for areas facing similar development challenges. In summer 2012, Jefferson County received a grant of nearly $50,000 due to years of community-wide collaboration and broad representation in planning efforts.
Research based on interviews with Jefferson County residents and an analysis of over 60 documents related to oil and gas development and planning initiatives within the county has identified 11 Lessons Learned to guide other community leaders faced with changes associated with rapid growth in the oil and gas industry. These lessons emphasise the importance of community engagement, strategic planning, and coordination with the oil and gas industry.
This fact sheet provides valuable insights for community leaders navigating the complexities of oil and gas development. It is recommended to be used in conjunction with the Ohio State University Extension fact sheet titled, "Natural Gas Drilling: Questions Residents and Local Leaders Should Be Asking."
- To ensure a harmonious balance between economic growth, environmental safety, and public health, the oil and gas industry, local businesses, non-profit organizations, and government sectors collaborated in Jefferson County, focusing on strategic planning and regulatory framework to manage the placement and operation of oil and gas facilities.
- Recognizing the potential financial benefits and risks, Jefferson County established monitoring programs for air and water quality, conducted health impact assessments, and pursued legal counsel to negotiate agreements with energy companies and manage revenue streams effectively.
- In an effort to mitigate dependency on a single industry and diversify the local economy, training programs were created to prepare local workers for jobs in the oil and gas industry while fostering dialogue between residents, businesses, and energy companies to align interests.
