Lawsuit stops virtual meeting on proposed injection well site in Belmont County

BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio — Attorney Michael Shaheen has won a complaint for injunctive relief against Ohio Department of Natural Resources on behalf of coal tycoon Bob Murray, who owns property near a proposed injection well site between U.S. 40 and State Route 331.

Omni Energy Group seeks a permit to install two saltwater injection wells there, and the location has generated concern among residents, businesses, county commissioners, and Richland Township trustees.

"So, many local people, not just my client, Mr. Murray, but so many local constituents, residents of Richland Township, Belmont County at large, are invested in this situation. When I say invested, I mean emotionally health-wise, not financially. "

At the county's request, ODNR agreed to hold an in-person public meeting. However, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting was set to take place via phone or computer.

ODNR says the general assembly and the governor authorized the use of technology to satisfy public meeting guidelines.

However, Friday’s scheduled meeting (at 12:30 p.m.), which was to be limited to 200 participants who must sign up to speak beforehand, will not happen, after a decision made by Judge John Vavra.

Shaheen, Murray, commissioners and township trustees all reached out to ODNR voicing their opposition.

"Very friendly, saying, ‘hey look, we appreciate you having this meeting, now is not the time, certainly not Good Friday afternoon, and only a limited time amount of notice,’ No response," Shaheen said.

Shaheen released a statement expressing his gratitude for how thorough and thoughtful Judge Vavra‘s opinion was.

“He properly weighed the interests of the agency in conjunction with the interests of the public at large and Belmont County and arrived at an extremely fair and judicious decision.”

ODNR was reached for comment, but NEWS9 has not heard back.