Austin Master won’t remove waste in time in Belmont County, mayor predicts

Martins Ferry, OHIO (WTRF) – Oil and waste management company Austin Master Services got a court-ordered deadline to remove thousands of tons of waste material from their Martin’s Ferry facility for storing waste beyond the allowable limit, but Martin’s Ferry Mayor John Davies told 7 News he believes the company won’t be able to make the deadline.

Attorney General Dave Yost requested a temporary restraining order against the oil and gas waste company last month because of the accumulation of waste materials exceeding the permitted limit.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources told 7 News the court granted a preliminary injunction on April 3, adding that Austin Masters would have 14 days to comply, which would include removing excess waste.

Mayor Davies said the Ohio Department of Natural Resources is in charge of the oversight.

Residents expressed concerns about waste material leaking into floodwaters during the heavy flooding in early April. ODNR confirmed they had their staff members at the facility during that event.

“There is no evidence that any oil and gas waste has impacted public health or the environment,” ODNR Communications Chief Andy Chow said.

This is a developing story, so stay with 7NEWS for updates.

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