November 18, 2015 - 3:09pm -- mylander.11@osu.edu

The effects of Ohio’s unprecedented oil and gas boom will be seen far beyond the 1,600 horizontal wells now dotting the landscape in eastern Ohio.  Authorities say the pipelines that will crisscross the state and other new infrastructure required to make use of the state’s newfound energy riches will likely have a presence in every county in the Buckeye State.  In addition, solar, wind and other alternative sources of energy have become a strong presence in some parts of the state in recent years.

To help keep landowners and public officials such as county commissioners, township trustees, state representatives and economic development directors informed about the potential impact of energy development in their communities, Ohio State University Extension along with the Ohio Farm Bureau has been organizing educational meetings all around the state on a variety of topics associated with energy development and pipelines. 

One such meeting is being held in Sandusky County on December 10 at Ole Zims Wagon Shed located at 1375 St. Rt. 590, Gibsonburg, OH.  This meeting will focus on soil management and restoration after pipeline installation, and will include breakfast, with registration at 8:00 a.m. and the meeting from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m.

 Frank Gibbs with Wetland and Soil Consulting Services LLC will speak on Soil Remediation Strategies, Compaction Management, & Long-Term Effects of Pipeline Installation.  Paul Chester, Retired NRCS Engineer, will discuss Fixing Your Drainage System after Pipeline Installation, and Dale Arnold, Ohio Farm Bureau’s director of energy development, will discuss the aspects of Soil Protection in Pipeline Contracts.

Again, this meeting will include breakfast catered by Ole Zims, and is free and open to the public, but does require a reservation to attend.  RSVP by calling Wood County Extension at 419-354-9050 no later than December 2.