The Patriot Water Treatment plant in Warren just opened in December, but according to a letter issued this week by the Ohio EPA, it's the agency's intention not to renew the company's permit next year.
The EPA letter also states it plans to deny any other permit applications from facilities that have expressed an interest in receiving water from natural gas well drilling. The EPA's letter dashes the hopes of Warren officials for a substantial source of revenue and jobs for the city.
"Because we actually see this as a real benefit. I've always seen it as, it is putting people to work," said Tom Angelo, Warren Water Pollution Control director.
The EPA is concerned that brine water poses a pollution risk. Warren got approval from the EPA in January to treat as much as 100,000 gallons of brine per day from Patriot Water. Angelo said so far there have been no safety issues.
Patriot has already invested $3 million and hired 45 people. Company officials and Angelo are heading down to Columbus to discuss the issue with advisors from the governor's office.
"We would like to open the lines of communication and do some education and give them a true understanding of what it means for Eastern Ohio and the jobs for long-term growth," said Patriot Water Treatment President Andrew Blacksom.
A professor of biology and director of the Center for Environmental Research and Education at Duquesne University, said wastewater from this industry remains a big issue.
"We have to find a way, and when I say we, I mean academics, the industry, the municipalities, to deal with the wastewater," said Dr. John Stolz.
