March 15, 2012 COLUMBUS, Ohio – Hydraulic fracturing –
“fracking” – is expanding in Ohio, and debate is heating up over
the process. A lot is at stake for farmers, especially those who
use sustainable practices. Oil and gas companies are approaching
landowners across Ohio and asking them to sign leases to permit
drilling for natural gas in shale formations. Matthew Starline,
whose organic farm near Athens is surrounded by leased land,
says the potential for air, soil and water contamination could
threaten his organic label and business. “That could be soil
contamination that would result in loss of my organic
certification. If I water the ground with contaminated water,
there’s a possibility that my certification would be in
jeopardy.” During fracking, experts say, wastewater returned to
the surface can contain radioactive materials. They add that
heavy metals, such as lead or mercury, can contaminate the soil
through spills, leaks, or during venting and airing. Supporters
say fracking could create hundreds o