West Cleveland News

A spokesperson for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has confirmed that odors emanating from a well project are the result of routine work to seal an orphan well.

Andy Chow, a representative from ODNR, stated that the project at 18611 Hilliard Blvd. was initiated in January when a construction crew, working on a proposed housing development at the site, discovered the orphan well. In response, ODNR issued an emergency contract to temporarily plug the well, according to a press release from Rocky River.

Chow further explained, "Now, crews are working to put a permanent plug in the well. To do so, excess oil and gas must be extracted in order to clean out the well and set permanent cement plugs." He assured that this process should be completed within the next few days and subsequently, the odor should dissipate. "The well is under control," added Chow.

According to another Rocky River press release, The Rocky River Fire Department has been managing the odors resulting from the well project by conducting inspections in buildings for flammable oxygen levels and lower explosive limits. So far, their investigation has not identified any areas of concern.

The same press release also outlined that capping of the well necessitates drilling and placing a casing in it. Wooden plugs previously used for capping were removed as part of this process. Both ODNR and the fire department will continue monitoring the situation closely.