Politics & Government

Service Director Doesn't Link Seismic Testing to Fracking

But some readers are skeptical the seismic testing done on Norton Road last week may lead to fracking.

Several readers have brought up the "f-word" after Patch posted a story about .

The odd-looking cables seen snaking alongside Seasons/Norton Road represent just 3.5-miles of a 500-mile exploration mission for natural gas reserves under way in Ohio through at least October.

Mike Martin, project manager for Nicholson Land Services of Tyler, TX, said the cables and related equipment in Stow are part of a seismic testing process that “basically provides us with a road map of the subsurface.”

Find out what's happening in Stowwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Martin said the Ohio testing locations were chosen “by geophysicists and we are not privy to that information.” Testing in Stow already wrapped up in a week.

But, many have speculated that fracking may be on its way.

Find out what's happening in Stowwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"At this point this process was just to gather information," said Service Director Mike Miller. "I have no basis to tie the 'testing' to 'fracking,' so I cannot speculate on 'fracking' based on the seismic 'testing,'"

But, prior to Miller's comment about not being able to tie the testing to possible fracking, the issue was greeted with mixed feelings from Stow Patch readers.

One reader, "S Kimball" said, "I live in Stow and drive over these cables. I am not happy about this. I believe it will lead to fracking in this beautiful community. I've lived long enough to know to not trust anyone 'in charge' of anything. Tell the truth."

But, another commenter, Rachel Zanath said, "I live on Mac Drive which is off of Norton. These cables are literally in my backyard. I don't have a problem with it. So what if it is for fracking?! I think that'd be great for the City of Stow! JOBS JOBS JOBS! Not to mention ENERGY!"

Read comments from more readers on and the .


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