Visible signs of fracking activity show up on I-70 in Belmont County
- I-70 is a main route for trucks involved in fracking
- Water and sand trucks travel East to the Ohio River to reload
- Fracking seems to slow down in the winter months
- Many local business in Eastern Ohio support the fracking industry
It’s 7 AM on a cold Sunday morning in March. Snowflakes are flying, coffee is steaming; it’s just another day in the long wait for warm weather and sunshine.
A sand truck goes by on the highway. A water truck comes by followed by a brine truck. In a couple minutes there’s another sand truck….another brine.
Several minutes later, a string of brine and water trucks go by. Then comes heavy equipment. What is this? Has fracking traffic suddenly picked up or is the boredom of winter altering perception.
Daffodils and crocus are blooming and magnolias are poised for a gentle spring. And it definitely seems that fracking season has begun.
The Fracking Industry hit Belmont County around 2010. Out of nowhere, white trucks were seen everywhere. ‘For Rent’ signs were in people’s yards as anyone with space cashed in on the opportunity.
Everywhere overheard discussions crackled with excitement from the new mineral leases which were spreading to anyone motivated to call and ask for one.
Time moved slowly as the industry established itself here. It struggled to gain momentum while enduring economic lows and highs.
Then finally the oil rigs arrived, dotting the landscape in all directions with towering metal and bright blinking lights.
This former land of coal and steel has been battered like an orca tossing a seal. Signs of economic life provide respite from holding the collective breath wondering if good things will come to the Ohio Valley.
