Local lawyer warns landowners to test water before shale drilling

COLUMBIANA — Water contamination seems to be the main opposition to oil and gas drilling throughout shale regions in Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Many Mahoning Valley residents, specifically in Columbiana County, signed leases with Oklahoma-based Chesapeake Energy Corp. in April. But until drilling picks up, landowners have been urged to take the necessary steps to ensure water remain safe to drink.

“You inevitably will have accidents or spills,” said Christopher Baronzzi, an attorney at the Youngstown law firm of Harrington, Hoppe & Mitchell Ltd., who spoke today to nearly 250 landowners at a seminar. “If you have hundreds of thousands of chemicals spilled, there could be groundwater contamination.”

Baronzzi urged landowners who use wells for drinking water to seek comprehensive water tests before oil and gas companies begin drilling. Water from public utilities must meet National Primary Drinking Water Standards, but well water is a landowner’s responsibility.

For the complete story, read Wednesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com