State approves two new gas/oil wells in the area

State approves two new gas/oil wells in the area

YOUNGSTOWN

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has granted permits for two new Utica Shale wells.

ODNR permitted a well in Mahoning County’s Goshen Township on State Route 14 — also known as Cleveland-East Liverpool Road SEmD just north of W. Middletown Road.

ODNR permitted another well in Columbiana County’s Washington Township, on Hazel Run Road near Steubenville Pike Road.

Both permits are for horizontal natural gas and oil exploration.

There are now nine drilling sites in Columbiana County: three in West Township, two each in Middletown and Hanover townships and one each in Knox, Franklin and Washington townships.

There are now eight drilling sites in Mahoning County: six in Goshen Township and one each in Milton and Ellsworth townships.

Two wells, one in Milton Township and one in Knox Township, have been drilled.

Both a vertical and horizontal drilling permit are needed for Utica and Marcellus shale exploration.