GUERNSEY COUNTY, Ohio — A proposal involving state-owned mineral rights beneath Salt Fork State Park remains unresolved following this week’s meeting of the Ohio Oil & Gas Land Management Commission.
The commission, which oversees leasing of state-owned oil and gas rights, met Monday to consider several agenda items, including a nomination involving Salt Fork State Park. As of Tuesday, the commission had not released meeting minutes or announced whether any action was taken on the proposal.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has nominated approximately 513 acres of state-owned mineral rights beneath seven parcels within Salt Fork State Park in Jefferson Township for possible competitive leasing.
If the nomination is ultimately approved, the state would seek competitive bids from oil and gas companies. No company has been selected, and no lease has been awarded.
According to the proposal, no drilling or production equipment would be permitted on the surface of Salt Fork State Park. Any natural gas development would be required to use horizontal drilling from well sites located outside the park boundaries.
The proposed lease also prohibits the construction of well pads, access roads, pipelines, storage tanks, compressor stations and other oil and gas infrastructure on park property.
Additional safeguards outlined in the proposal include groundwater and Salt Fork Lake testing before and after drilling, spill prevention requirements, emergency response planning and measures intended to reduce noise, lighting and visual impacts. Proposed well sites would also be required to remain at least 1,000 feet from campgrounds, beaches, trails, lodges and other recreational areas.
If approved through the competitive bidding process, the lease would include an initial five-year term with the option for a three-year extension if certain conditions are met. The successful bidder would also be required to pay royalties to the State of Ohio.
The Ohio Oil & Gas Land Management Commission is expected to release additional information once official meeting results and minutes become available.
