Some Columbiana residents reach settlement with Columbia Gas parent

YOUNGSTOWN — Some of the residents who live within the Brinker Storage Field in Columbiana County have reached an agreement with the parent company of Columbia Gas about deep mineral rights.

The company offered a group who had elected not to sue NiSource, the parent company of Columbia, a 15 percent royalty on oil and gas production, said state Rep. Craig Newbold, who helped facilitate the deal.

Newbold of Columbiana, R-1st, met with both residents and NiSource separately to discuss the situation. NiSource has signed an agreement with Hilcorp, a Houston-based oil and gas company, to develop oil and gas in the storage field.

“I think both groups were willing to compromise,” he said. “The agreement the residents got was a little above their expectations.”

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