Gulfport Energy is suing the Village of Barnesville after claiming the village violated their contract to provide water for their fracking operation by taking on a second drilling firm, Antero, also as a water customer, when water is sometimes in short supply.

In Barnesville’s contract with Gulfport, it clearly states that the regular local water customers come first. So, when the level of the Slope Creek Reservoir drops below a certain point, they will shut off Gulfport’s tap.

In fact, that happened last fall, after a dry summer.

“I’m very grateful for to the village for ceasing water withdrawals last fall when the reservoir levels were alarming low,” Barnesville resident Jill Antares Hunkler said.

However, Barnesville also took on a second oil driller as a water customer, Antero Resources. Gulfport is suing to be given, not monetary damages, but priority consideration as a water customer.

In their lawsuit, Gulfport said a sudden water shutoff could cost them millions of dollars in business. 

Barnesville’s solicitor said Gulfport has other options.

“They can make arrangements to buy water from other sources,” Village Solicitor Martin Harper said. “We’re not the only water seller in this part of the country.”

The suit is just about Gulfport getting water; it does not involve environmental issues. However, those issues do surface.

Hunkler, true to her dual heritage as a Native American and a Quaker, is a fierce steward of natural resources, and a peaceful protester.

She said her once quiet, peaceful home has changed.

“Some nights it sounds like I am living next to an international airport and I can also hear the vibrations,” Hunkler said. “Now, anytime I come home, I never know what I’m going to find.”

Officials said the lawsuit can perhaps be settled amicably. Right now, there’s water enough for everyone.

However, when Antero starts up operations this year, with two companies drawing water, there could be another dry spell for both.

WTRF attempted to contact Gulfport for a direct comment on the lawsuit, but we were unable to reach anyone.