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Fracking Advisory Group Up And Running

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The Athens County Strategic Advisory Committee on Hydraulic Fracturing is now open for business.

The new group held its first meeting Wednesday.

It was appointed by the Athens County Commissioners and Committee. Chairman Al Blazevicius  says the eight members will be looking at a variety of issues related to "deep shale development."

Of utmost concern, he says, is safeguarding water quality.

"Yes, it is.  It is starting with the commissioners' resolution that they passed in Feburary and on going to the committee for the protection of our water supplies, testing of the water supplies and protection of source water protection areas," said Blazevicius.

Blazevicius says the committee hopes to have a report for the commissioners in six months.

He says the group also is looking to have some input on oil and gas drilling matters under consideration by the state legislature.