COSHOCTON, Ohio — State regulators have renewed permits for two high-volume waste injection wells in eastern Ohio, a decision that allows for the continued disposal of millions of gallons of industrial liquid waste underground despite objections from residents and environmental advocates.
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency finalized the five-year permits for Buckeye Brine, LLC, on Tuesday, authorizing the company to inject up to 12.7 million gallons of non-hazardous waste monthly into its two wells on Airport Road. The wells, known as Adams #1 and Adams #3, extend approximately 5,300 feet deep.
The decision comes after a contentious public comment period that included a March 27 hearing where dozens of citizens and watchdog groups raised concerns about potential groundwater contamination, the risk of seismic activity, and a lack of transparency. The permits will remain active until July 8, 2030.
The renewal drew immediate criticism from groups like the Buckeye Environmental Network, a coalition that has long called for a statewide moratorium on such wells. Critics argue that pumping industrial waste underground carries inherent risks to drinking water sources that state regulators are downplaying. They point to the wells' proximity to unmapped faults and legacy oil and gas wells, which they contend could serve as conduits for waste to contaminate aquifers.
Although the injected waste is classified as non-hazardous, opponents worry it can contain salts, radioactive isotopes, heavy metals, and other unregulated chemicals, including PFAS, that are not explicitly screened for under the permit's terms. During the public hearing, residents demanded more stringent oversight, including real-time public access to pressure and water quality data.
The Ohio EPA stated that existing engineering controls and testing requirements, which include annual pressure tests and quarterly groundwater sampling, are sufficient to protect public health and the environment.
The renewal has a history of controversy in Coshocton. In 2014, Buckeye Brine sued a local landowner over billboards that described the wells as "poisoned waters." The company later dropped the suit.
Opponents have 30 days to appeal the decision to the state's Environmental Review Appeals Commission. Community groups are reportedly organizing a legal challenge, arguing the permits do not adequately protect Coshocton’s drinking water from foreseeable risks.
*Final permits can be appealed to the Ohio Environmental Review Appeals Commission(ERAC) within 30 days of issuance. For more information on filing an appeal should contact ERAC at 614.466.8950.
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