BLM sells 40 oil and gas parcels in Wayne National Forest
MARIETTA, Ohio (WTAP) — The Bureau of Land Management sold 40 parcels in Wayne National Forest, nearly 2,800 acres, in a lease sale held this week.
The sale brought in $11,097,693, split between the federal government and Ohio. The sales went to five out of state companies:
- Apex Energy Operating III LLC, from Pennsylvania, purchased 25 parcels for $7,978,159
- Gulfport Appalachia LLC, from Oklahoma, purchased 5 parcels for $1,987,972
- R & R Royalty LTD, from Texas, purchased 6 parcels for $864,234
- Texas Independent Exploration Limited, from Texas, purchased 3 parcels for $241,559
- Ohio Gasco LLC, from Pennsylvania, purchased 1 parcel for $25,769
Leasing is only the first step. Companies still have to clear multiple hurdles and reviews before any drilling can begin.
BLM Eastern States Office Branch Chief Chris Hite said the entire process can take months or years, with companies submitting proposals to the agency for where and how any drilling would take place.
The BLM then conducts an environmental review that takes into account recommendations from specialists regarding the impact on wildlife, air quality and water quality.
“We’re trying to avoid environmental damage if at all possible. We’re also considering mitigating any kind of environmental impact. So in other words, trying to minimize the impact by maybe shifting the location over or doing things a little differently than originally proposed,” Hite said.
Leases last 10 years, and longer if the wells are producing.
The lease sale was criticized by the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC).
“Yesterday’s lease sale violates important environmental laws meant to protect endangered wildlife and the quality of the environment,” said Nathan Johnson, OEC Land and Water Senior Attorney. “The Wayne is Ohio’s only National Forest and one of the state’s best places for outdoor recreation. Fracking the Wayne will pollute the air, harm local streams, and industrialize the landscape.”
Johnson said the OEC is preparing to challenge the sale in court.
Editor’s note: The video for this story will be added once it airs. Please check back for the updated video.