BLM seeks input involving oil, gas leasing in Ohio
In response to a 2020 court ruling, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management has prepared a draft supplemental environmental assessment evaluating possible impacts from potential oil and gas leasing within the Wayne National Forest in southeastern Ohio.
The BLM is seeking public input on the draft. BLM will accept public comments on the draft analysis until May 6.
This evaluation builds on an environmental assessment of potential leasing impacts completed in 2016. In 2020, a federal district court found the 2016 analysis needed to further consider the specific impacts of using hydraulic fracturing techniques on federally protected species, water resources, air quality, and surface resources.
BLM, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, has prepared the draft supplemental environmental assessment incorporating the direction of the court, previous public input, relevant new information, and best available science, the BLM said in a recent news release.
This environmental review analyzes impacts from potential oil and gas leasing on approximately 40,000 acres beneath National Forest System lands in Monroe, Noble, and Washington counties.
The subsurface parcels have either been leased for oil and gas development or have the potential for future leasing and development.
BLM and Forest Service will use this evaluation when making future decisions on whether to allow additional oil and gas leasing in the area. Any oil and gas development on previously leased parcels will require additional consideration and analysis by BLM and Forest Service.
To view the draft supplemental environmental assessment and learn how to provide comments, visit the BLM National NEPA Register. A web link is available at https://tinyurl. com/439uv4vh