ODNR orders Weathersfield injection wells to cease operations

WEATHERSFIELD

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has ordered the American Water Management Services injection wells on state Route 169 to cease operations while an investigation takes place into a 2.1-magnitude earthquake that took place at the site Sunday evening.

An ODNR statement said seismic monitors in place at and near the site were “able to determine that possible evidence exists linking the ... injection well operation” to Sunday’s earthquake.

Bethany McCorkle, ODNR spokesperson, said late Friday the company “has cooperated with our request and the two injection wells on site remain closed.”

The order was issued on Wednesday, McCorkle said, though neither AWMS or ODNR had indicated before today that such an order had been issued.

“We will continue to evaluate all the data to determine what exactly happened and will share more information as it is available,” McCorkle’s statement said.

McCorkle added that Sunday’s earthquake was “a relatively minor event,” but ordered the shutdown “out of an abundance of caution.”

For the complete story, please see Saturday’s Vindicator.