40 demonstrators block access to fracking well in North Jackson

40 demonstrators block access to fracking well in North Jackson

Staff report

NORTH JACKSON

About 40 demonstrators from Frackfree Mahoning Valley blockaded access to a horizontal fracturing well under construction in Jackson Township today.

The well is operated by Consol Energy, and the group says it is located within the environmentally protected area that surrounds the Meander Reservoir, which provides more than 200,000 people in the Mahoning Valley with drinking water.

The protesters blockaded access to the well pad for almost five hours, starting at 10:45 am, after which the blockade was ended, according to Sam Rubin, a member of the anti-fracking group.

The blockade took place without arrests or confrontation with workers or police, Rubin said.

Protesters were supported by people from across Ohio, who chanted, sang songs, and listened to addresses by Rev. Monica Baisley-Martin, and Attorney Staughton Lind.

The action was organized under the banner of Frackfree Mahoning and Frackfree America.

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com.