MARTINS FERRY — Austin Master Services spokesman Christopher Martin says the Martins Ferry frack waste processing facility has made $2 million in improvements and is apprising the city’s fire department of its emergency response plans.

Martin recently responded to questions posed by The Times Leader on the heels of local residents expressing concern about the facility, which processes radioactive waste from the natural gas and oil fracking industry. Martin said the waste processed at the building, which once was part of Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel, arrives there wet.

“It is important to know that all waste that arrives at our facility is wet – this means that the material must go through a process similar to the local wastewater treatment facility. Water is removed from the material through various steps and then dried. Once it is dried our team prepares the material for removal to a landfill or a radioactive waste facility,” he said.

“I must clarify one very big fact that is being misconstrued — Austin Master Services does not create waste at the facility. The material we receive includes brine, wet sand, sludge, dry solids, debris, and filters.”

Members of the Concerned Ohio River Residents have expressed worries about the facility receiving past citations from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources regarding handling of waste at the facility. ODNR has cited the company for having overflowing bins and having waste stored directly on the floor.

Martin said the business is working on issues pointed out by the ODNR.

“We are dedicated to improving our process and have a very strong relationship with ODNR. With that said, our team is currently working to comply with their recommended action items,” he said. “It is important to call out that the ODNR reports showcase a snapshot in time and if someone reads all the reports you can see the actions taken by our team — in fact, you can see that ODNR includes the improvements made from one report to the next.”

One of CORR’s main concerns has been protecting the city’s drinking water from any possible contamination of the aquifer the city water treatment plant draws from. CORR is concerned that Austin Master and the waste it receives could impact the underground well fields. It also has pointed out the facility is located within the city’s Source Water Protection Area.

Martin said Austin Master Services is complying with ODNR regulations regarding containment of waste.

“Since we have been in operation we have stored the waste that arrives at our facility in containment bins that are approved by ODNR. As you know this facility has had several lives and is built on a concrete base,” he said. “In addition to what existed before we began operations we have constructed various containment units and barriers (which are reported in the ODNR reports) to keep material contained. I need to reinforce that this has all been completed with review and approval from ODNR.”

Recent testing of raw water for radium showed the water was under the limits for drinking water, according to information from the city of Martins Ferry.

People have also expressed concern about dust coming out of the facility and worries that it is radioactive. In response, Martin noted the waste that arrives is wet, but after being processed it is then dried for removal from the facility.

“I’d like to state that within 500 yards of our facility is a limestone quarry, a railroad line, multiple businesses that create ongoing traffic with trucks, and a four-lane highway. Dust has the potential to come from a variety of locations,” he said.

“As I stated earlier, the waste that arrives at our facility is very wet. In this state it is challenging to find airborne particulates because of the chemistry.

“With that said, we have installed multiple air quality monitoring systems throughout our facility and have consistently recorded samples below minimum detectable levels. More importantly, ODNR has reported that our process is in line with their recommendations.”

Another concern raised by CORR members has been for workers’ safety there, along with how their work gear is handled.

“I appreciate the concern for our workers because all of our team resides in this community. Every one of our team has complete knowledge of the work that we do and are completely aware of the procedures and need to remain safe while at work,” Martin said.

“Our safety program was in place before there was an implementation requirement. That same program has been approved by ODNR. Each team member completes safety training before they engage in their tasks. We also hold ongoing training for our teams.

“The Austin Master team is provided the appropriate safety equipment and personal protection equipment.”

Martin said workers’ dirtied uniforms do not leave the facility.

“Austin Master Services has internal systems to clean our employees’ uniforms, which they are required to wear at all times while at work. No uniforms are taken out of the facility. In fact, we have our own internal waste treatment facility (that was built on site before any waste was received) and the washing systems utilize treated water to keep our team safe,” he said.

“To add, no personal tools are used on site. Our policies are focused on keeping our team members safe and reducing all issues that we can control as it affects the community.”

In the case of a fire, floor or other emergency, Martin said the facility does have a response plan that has been reviewed by ODNR.

“We are coordinating with the local fire department,” he said.

Martin noted the company takes people’s concerns seriously.

“The Austin Master Services facility takes these allegations very seriously and works very hard to ensure the safety of our team, our customers, and the community. Our process includes the tracking of material in and out of our facility. This includes manifests and labels per (Ohio Department of Transportation) requirements,” Martin said.

“We have very strong relationships with ODNR and work closely with the agency to address any recommendations they have. Our intent is to do more than required and ensure the safety of our team, our customers, and our community.

“I want to reinforce that no waste is created at our facility. We receive, process, and prepare the waste to be transferred to the appropriate locations.”

ODNR spokeswoman Stephanie O’Grady said the Austin Master Services facility, operating under Chief’s Order 2014-514, “currently meets all of the operating regulations set forth in their Chief’s Order.”

CORR members expressed concern during a recent Belmont County Board of Commissioners meeting about Austin Master Services and ODNR citations from November 2020.

“As to the November 2020 report in question, the facility continued to meet all operating regulations set forth in their Chief’s Order. The ‘Action Items’ noted in the report were guidance for the facility to ensure that they continued to operate within regulations,” O’Grady said.

“Since November 2020, the Division has inspected the facility an additional two times, and found the facility to be operating under the operating regulations set forth in their Chief’s Order each time.

“The Division of Oil and Gas Resources Management continues to regulate Ohio’s oil and gas operations. Through this regulation, the Division of Oil and Gas Resources Management works tirelessly to protect public health, safety, and the environment.”

Chief’s orders are guidelines set by ODNR related to fracking waste and brine.

Staff Writer Robert DeFrank contributed to this report.