Visitor urges caution on brine injection wells; supporter says disposal is safe

At the Washington County Board of County Commissioners meeting on Dec. 31, a visitor identified only as Hilary urged caution about brine and injection wells, saying she wants "clean drinking water" and that she is "worried about radioactive brine."

Shortly afterward, Matt Dole, identified in the minutes as a visitor, rebutted that concern, saying that "brine is disposed safely four thousand feet below the ground and is highly regulated and safe" and that "brine in Ohio has never polluted drinking water." The exchange took place during the public-comment portion of the meeting; commissioners did not cite a staff report or take regulatory action in response.

President Charlie L. Schilling acknowledged the public comments and said "clean water is a high priority and it takes research to make an informed decision." Darren Shearlock of Veterans Service also addressed the board to thank partner agencies for their cooperation, and Teresa Judson, Recorder, announced an America 250–Ohio event at the Campus Martius Museum in January.

The meeting record shows the comments were recorded as part of the public-comment period and were not accompanied by documentary evidence or a staff recommendation at the time. No further hearing dates or follow-up assignments were announced in the meeting minutes.