According to the legal application, I-MAC had applied for the permit on July 22 of last year with intent to dispose of saltwater from oil and gas well drillings. The water would have been injected into the Arbuckle Formation, which lies under western Sequoyah County.
The Town of Vian and officials of the Cherokee Nation, along with many local residents, wrote protest letters to the OCC, stating they felt the well would be hazardous and could compromise the quality of their environment and possibly introduce health hazards to the community. Another big concern was that the proposed well would be located about 600 feet from Vian Public School.
Representatives from I-MAC said the area between Vian and Dwight Mission was selected because it was ideal for drilling, and they had looked at several sights along Interstate 40 before selecting the land in Vian.
Last month, well owner Charles Brooks announced that he was having I-MAC Attorney Richard Grimes file for a dismissal in the case.
“It’s just too unstable now and we were nervous about coming in with all the hostility from people that don’t want us there. We were throwing away good money and I still think everyone has missed out on a good opportunity there. I do think the Lord is looking after us though and will lead us to where we will have a better situation.”
Matt Skinner, information officer for the OCC, said, “Once the final order was drafted, it went on to the Commissioners and they made the final decision. Since the attorney representing the applicant is the one asking for the dismissal, it was relevant the case would likely be dismissed.”
