Board tries to dissolve rumors on fracturing
By Elise Franco
Youngstown
Mill Creek MetroParks board members tried once again to dissolve rumors of hydraulic fracturing on park lands.
About 50 concerned residents attended Monday’s regular board meeting, asking questions about fracking in the park. The hot-button issue was first brought up to the board during the Oct. 12 meeting.
Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is a process where water and chemicals are blasted into rocks thousands of feet below the ground to unlock natural gas and oil. Some believe the process pollutes underground water, while others believe it may cause earthquakes.
Jay Macejko, board president, assured residents the park has made no decision on whether fracking will be allowed in the park.
“Nothing has changed from the board’s position during our October meeting,” he said. “We’re still in our due-diligence phase gathering information. ... We have no decision as to how we’re going to address this issue.”
In Ohio and Pennsylvania, companies such as Chesapeake Energy Corp. have begun drilling for natural oil and gas in the Marcellus and Utica shales.
Macejko promised residents they would be invited to attend public hearings once the board does a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
Many residents expressed concerns over a construction site near Midlothian Boulevard and Glenwood Avenue, where they said they saw drilling.
Steve Avery, MetroParks operations director, said the construction happening there is a Dominion East Ohio Gas project to replace an old gas line that was installed in 1928.
Avery said the line, which runs under Lake Newport, provides gas to residential homes.
“It’s an intermediate pressure gas line that provides natural gas to the western neighborhoods in parts of Canfield and Boardman,” he said.
Board member Bob Durick and executive director Clarke Johnson encouraged residents to call the MetroParks at 330-702-3000 with any questions or concerns.
Macejko said they know what an important issue fracking is, and they’re not taking it lightly.
“Everyone on this board knows this is one of the most significant decisions this park will face. We realize the obligation we hold, and we will keep our word” on keeping the public involved.
The meeting also marked the end of Dave Christy’s 30-year-career with the park district. Christy, park treasurer, retires Dec. 31. “I came to work here and intended to stay for a year until I found a ‘real job,’” Christy said. “I’m glad I never found that other job. ... It’s been a wonderful 30 years.”
Christy’s replacement, Kevin Smith, takes over Jan. 1. “I’m so pleased to have found a candidate like [Smith] to sit in my chair and take over,” Christy added.