ODNR grants permits for 2 more shale-drilling sites

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has granted permits for two new Utica Shale wells to Chesapeake Exploration LLC.

ODNR permitted a well in Mahoning County’s Goshen Township on state Route 14 — also known as Cleveland-East Liverpool Road — just north of West Middletown Road.

ODNR permitted another well in Columbiana County’s Washington Township, on Hazel Run Road near Steubenville Pike Road.

Both permits are for horizontal natural-gas and oil exploration.

There are nine drilling sites in Columbiana County: three in West Township, two each in Middletown and Hanover townships and one each in Knox, Franklin and Washington townships.

There are eight drilling sites in Mahoning County: six in Goshen Township and one each in Milton and Ellsworth townships.

Two wells, one in Milton Township and one in Knox Township, have been drilled.

Both a vertical and horizontal drilling permit are needed for Utica and Marcellus shale exploration.