Wastewater Storage Risks
Washington County hosts 19 active injection wells, tying it for the most in Ohio and surpassing all of Pennsylvania’s 16 as of 2023. Four Class II wells sit within two miles of Marietta’s Source Water Protection Area, with ODNR approving two more in 2025 despite past leaks.
In 2023-2024, the county accepted nearly 12 million barrels of oil and gas wastewater, equivalent to millions of gallons injected underground. ODNR suspended six wells in nearby Noble and Athens counties after fracking waste migrated beyond zones, fueling fears of similar failures here.
Resident and Official Pushback
Marietta City Council declared an emergency in October 2025, passing resolutions for a three-year moratorium on new Class II and I wells and halting injections within six miles of aquifers serving 32,000 people. Councilwoman Erin O’Neill warned that aquifer pollution would be irreversible, stating, “Our community is pretty much done for.”
Local water authorities like Putnam Community Water and Warren Water and Sewer Association, plus township trustees and Commissioner support, back the effort alongside groups like Buckeye Environmental Network. Public meetings drew 150 attendees in April 2025, with residents reporting changes in domestic wells near sites.
Legal and Regulatory Battles
Lawsuits target ODNR permits, alleging rule-skirting for DeepRock Disposal wells within two miles of aquifers; the city authorized its own suit. Past DeepRock issues included suspensions after blowouts and $1.3 million cleanups, raising cumulative pressure concerns from added wells injecting up to 20,000 barrels daily.
ODNR maintains geologists evaluate sites for safety, but opponents cite seven Ohio well suspensions due to leaks. As of January 2026, southeast Ohio officials continue clashing with the state over future permits amid ongoing investigations.