Guernsey County, Ohio — A fiery blast on January 2 rattled eastern Ohio when an explosion at the Groh well pad, operated by Gulfport Energy, set off flames and dark plumes of smoke into the night sky. The incident, which thankfully did not result in any injuries, sparked a local evacuation and raised fresh concerns about the safety of oil and gas drilling near state parks and residential areas.
Local emergency management, assessing the site shortly after the mishap, issued an evacuation for residents within a half-mile radius. The evacuation order was lifted approximately 14 hours later, once officials deemed the situation under control. The fire was allowed to burn out on its own, a common practice in handling well pad fires to prevent further hazards.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is currently investigating the cause of the explosion and assessing the damage. Spokeswoman Karina Cheung commented on the immediate aftermath, noting that preliminary findings indicate that only one containment tank was involved. “There is no evidence of environmental fluid release, and all produced fluids were safely removed,” Cheung stated, emphasizing the absence of injuries or wildlife and water impacts.
Despite no injuries, the incident near Salt Fork State Park — Ohio’s largest state park — spotlights ongoing debates surrounding the expansion of oil and gas extraction on state lands. Just under five miles from the park, Groh’s well pad does not draw directly from park land; however, a 2022 law signed by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine allows gas and oil exploration activities close to such areas.
Critics, like Melinda Zemper of Save Ohio Parks, argue these operations could lead to serious environmental and health issues through accidental releases of toxic substances. Zemper draws a parallel between the Groh well pad incident and other industrial accidents, such as the significant 2023 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. “These accidents can unleash unknown chemicals into the soil and water,” said Zemper.
The debate is underscored by statistical data compiled by analysts like Gwen Klenke of FracTracker, who documented at least 1,900 related incidents in Ohio from 2015 to 2023. Nearly a fifth of these incidents involved explosions or fires, albeit with minimal reported injuries or property damage. Klenke pointed to the broader implications, emphasizing, “This industry is prone to accidents, which are inevitably expected as exploration expands to state lands.”
In contrast, Rob Brundrett, president of the Ohio Oil and Gas Association, defended the industry’s record, highlighting the low incidence of major accidents as evidence of stringent safety measures. “Only a minuscule fraction of all operations have experienced significant incidents over the past years, which speaks to our commitment to safety,” he asserted.
However, critics like Klenke suggest that the low number of reported major incidents might reflect gaps in how incidents are reported and classified rather than a genuinely robust safety record. Concerns about the subjectivity and complexity of Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ classification systems persist, particularly when categorizing the severity of incidents.
As Gulfport Energy continues operations in Ohio, with several leases close to state parks and other sensitive areas, the incident at their Groh well pad serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with energy extraction industries. Neither the company nor the Ohio Department of Natural Resources responded immediately to inquiries regarding future safety measures or the ongoing investigation outcomes.
The discussion about energy development near protected lands remains contentious as community activists and environmental groups call for greater transparency and stricter oversight to ensure the safety of Ohio’s natural reserves and the well-being of its residents.