What is the Buckeye Environmental Network suing the Ohio Department of Natural Resources over?

The Buckeye Environmental Network is suing the Ohio Department of Natural Resources over its approval of two new oil and gas waste injection wells that would be built less than 2 miles from a city's drinking water source.

How many active Class II injection wells are there in Washington County, Ohio?

According to the article, Washington County has 17 active Class II injection wells, meaning it takes in almost one-fifth of all oil and gas waste disposed of in Ohio each year.

What is the total amount of brine wastewater injected into Class II wells in Washington County between 2015 and 2024?

The article states that the total amount of brine wastewater injected into Class II wells in Washington County between 2015 and 2024 was 2.4 billion gallons, which is equivalent to 3,720 Olympic swimming pools.

Home / Environment / Environmental Group Sues Ohio Over Permits for Hazardous Waste Disposal Near Drinking Water

Environmental Group Sues Ohio Over Permits for Hazardous Waste Disposal Near Drinking Water

13 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Lawsuit filed against Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources over approval of 2 new injection wells
Wells located less than 2 miles from city's drinking water source
Concerns about toxic and radioactive waste contaminating environment and water

Environmental Group Sues Ohio Over Permits for Hazardous Waste Disposal Near Drinking Water

In a recent legal battle, the environmental justice organization Buckeye Environmental Network has sued the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) over its approval of two new oil and gas waste injection wells. The lawsuit, filed on November 7, 2025, challenges the ODNR's decision to permit the wells, which are located less than 2 miles from a city's drinking water source.

The organization argues that the ODNR approved the permits for the DeepRock Disposal Solutions' Stephan Number 1 and American Growers Number 4 wells under outdated, lax regulations that have since been replaced by stricter rules enacted in 2022. The new regulations aim to improve the safety and regulation of Class II disposal wells, such as requiring enhanced testing and clear decommissioning plans.