OTTAWA, Ohio – Gilboa Quarry is under pressure from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to rectify a long-standing issue with its water system, which has been identified as having a "significant deficiency" affecting its ability to produce safe drinking water. In a letter dated August 18, 2025, the Ohio EPA mandated that the quarry submit a detailed construction plan for a new well, designated Well #5, by August 22, 2025, or face a treatment technique violation.
The issue dates back to January 4, 2024, when an Ohio EPA assessment first identified the problem. According to the documents, the initial plan involved drilling a new well, Well #4, and properly sealing the problematic Well #1. However, this plan has been fraught with delays and complications. The quarry initially cited the costs of drilling a new well as "prohibitive" and explored other options, including connecting to existing wells. Well #2 was deemed unsuitable due to its proximity to the quarry and sanitary sewer lines.
After receiving an extension, Gilboa Quarry reported on December 10, 2024, that the newly drilled Well #4 had "unacceptable" water quality and was likely contaminated by surface water. This led to the decision to seal Well #4 and pursue yet another new well, Well #5.
The recent correspondence from Blake Hubbard, an Environmental Specialist with the Ohio EPA, outlines the final step required in this protracted process. The quarry must have a registered well driller submit a "Well Profile and Construction Form" for Well #5, detailing its proposed depth and construction.
Failure to meet the August 22 deadline will result in a violation of the Revised Total Coliform Rule, a federal and state regulation designed to ensure the safety of public drinking water. The Ohio EPA has been in consultation with Gilboa Quarry representatives, including Cheyenne Klausing and Drake Cooke, throughout this 19-month ordeal. The Putnam County Health Department has also been kept informed of the situation.
