Dozens protest gas drilling method of fracking in Columbus

Columbus -- Jamie Frederick held up a pair of heavy-duty ear protectors that she used in an attempt to block out the sounds of oil and gas drilling near her home.

They didn't work.

"Living through the drilling and fracking phase of the most recent well was a truly terrifying experience," Frederick said.

"... Twenty-four-seven, nonstop, we were subjected to such unbelievable levels of noise that you could only understand if you heard if for yourself. It would have been more peaceful to live on an airport runway."

At an anti-fracking rally Jan. 10 at the Statehouse, she recounted health problems, contaminated water, property damage and other issues that have affected her and her husband since they moved to the Youngtown area.

"I have a message for you, Gov. Kasich, and to you, Mr. Gasman," she said. "You may have taken my safety and my property value. You may have taken my gallbladder and you may have taken my ability to have children, but you will not take my voice. And I will not stop until you stop."

Frederick was one of the speakers during the two-hour protest.

About 200 people participated, including more than 40 who traveled by bus from Youngstown, the site of a New Year's Eve earthquake that many believe was caused by an injection well used to dispose of fluid waste from oil and gas production.

Participants were hoping to convince lawmakers and Gov. John Kasich to stop all horizontal hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, activities in the state until after studies are completed.

"The people of Ohio and the Mahoning Valley need to get some answers from their government officials," said state Rep. Bob Hagan, a Democrat from Youngstown.

"We need to find out why Ohio has become the dumping ground of the United States and why it's so important that Pennsylvania and New York bring their toxic chemicals and dump them into the Mahoning Valley and cause earthquakes."

He added, "We never had an earthquake until John Kasich was elected governor."