Bill would increase penalties for illegal dumping of oilfield brine

June 20, 2013 at 12:00a.m.

COLUMBUS

Companies and individuals that illegally dump oilfield brine would face increased criminal penalties and license revocations, under a bill being considered in the Ohio Senate.

SB 46 was offered by Sens. Joe Schiavoni of Boardman, D-33rd, and Frank LaRose of Copley, R-27th, after an incident in Youngstown involving the dumping of drilling waste into a storm sewer.

“The number of intentional incidents we have seen thus far this year are unacceptable, and we need to do more as a Legislature to prevent additional issues in the future,” Schiavoni told the Senate’s Energy and Natural Resources Committee. “It is my hope that we can work expeditiously to move this bipartisan legislation in a timely manner as we continue to see growth in the oil and gas industry.”

The legislation had its first hearing before the lawmaker panel Wednesday.

Earlier this year, state officials revoked permits for D&L Energy and affiliated companies after investigators caught workers dumping tens of thousands of gallons of brine waste. The company has appealed the decision.

Under SB 46, those convicted of illegal brine dumping could face fines of up to $50,000 and three-year prison terms, with additional penalties for repeat violators. That’s up from $10,000 and six-month sentences in current law.

The legislation also would require the state to permanently revoke existing permits and deny future permits for companies involved.

“I do want to emphasize that the purpose of this bill is to punish wrongdoers so that law-abiding business owners and permit holders can continue to grow and build their businesses in Ohio’s new and exciting oil and gas industry,” Schiavoni said. “Youngstown has been facing decades of decline and economic stagnation, but now our area economy and job outlook are beginning to improve, and much of this has to do with oil and gas.”