Warren's wastewater treatment facility may be the first in the state to accept and process wastewater generated from hydraulic fracturing of the Marcellus shale deposits.
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency issued the proposed permit modification to the city to accept natural gas well wastewater at Warren's facility. If finalized, the permit will allow the city to accept up to 100,000 gallons a day. City officials are trying to get that amount increased.
"[The] first in Ohio, and we feel confident with the testing we have done the last two years that we have more capacity to handle a bigger discharge than the permit OK'd by the EPA."
The city will be working with a private company, Patriot Water Treatment of Warren.
O'Brien and Tom Angelo, director of the Water Pollution Control facility, said the processing of natural gas well wastewater will generate money and help create jobs.
"While this is a great thing for the city," said Angelo. "It is also an opportunity for the state of Ohio for jobs for citizens and opportunity for growth."
The EPA projects that having Warren's wastewater treatment plant process up to 100,000 gallons per day should not cause significant biological impacts to the Mahoning River or impact drinking water sources.
Citizens have until Oct. 2 to request a hearing on the proposal. The modified permit is proposed to take effect by Dec. 1.
