Ascent Resources Utica LLC Kurth - Oil Extraction Facility in Saint Clairsville, Ohio

Ascent Resources Utica LLC Kurth is an oil extraction facility located in Saint Clairsville, Belmont County, Ohio, United States. The plant operates within the Utica Shale formation, a significant source of oil and natural gas in the Appalachian Basin. As an operational facility, it plays a role in the domestic energy supply chain. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA) and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) for water discharges. Oil extraction in Ohio is also subject to state-level regulations from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. Typical operations involve hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling, with produced water management being a key environmental consideration. The environmental significance of this facility is tied to its location in the Ohio River Valley, where water resources and air quality are monitored. The Utica Shale development has contributed to local economic activity but also raises considerations regarding groundwater protection and methane emissions. The facility's operational status indicates ongoing production, with potential impacts on local infrastructure and community services.

Located in the Ohio River Valley, the facility operates in a region with mixed land use including agriculture and residential areas. The Utica Shale extraction involves hydraulic fracturing, which requires large volumes of water and generates produced water that must be managed to prevent contamination of surface and groundwater. Air emissions from drilling and flaring are regulated under the EPA's New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for the oil and gas sector.