Debriefing an Injection Well Victory with Roxanne Groff

You’re invited to join us this Wednesday afternoon for a conversation around the recent injection well victory in Ohio with grassroots leader Roxanne Groff.

Whether you have been following this for a while or just now hearing about this — you’re invited to join us to talk about community organizing and oil and gas waste.

Roxanne Groff, an environmental activist and former Athens County Commissioner, has been actively involved in opposing the operation of Class II injection wells in Torch, Ohio. These wells, operated by K&H Partners, are used to dispose of toxic waste from oil and gas production deep underground. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Oil and Gas Resources Management suspended the operation of these wells in June 2023, citing imminent danger to drinking water due to the migration of waste fluids[1][2].

Despite the suspension, the Ohio Oil and Gas Commission allowed K&H Partners to temporarily resume operations while the company appealed the suspension. This decision has been controversial, with Groff and other activists arguing that it prioritizes industry profits over public health and environmental safety[1]. 

The commission’s decision to allow operations to continue during the appeal process has been criticized for potentially endangering local water sources[1][3].

Groff has been a vocal critic of the injection wells since their initial proposal, warning that they would lead to the migration of toxic fluids and contamination of drinking water. Her advocacy has been part of a broader effort by local activists to hold the industry accountable and ensure the protection of public health and the environment[2][3].