A few years ago, a Texas drilling company secured state and local permits to do oil and natural gas exploration in rural Calhoun County. That exploratory activity appears to be getting underway.
Apalachicola Riverkeeper Georgia Ackerman said Cholla Petroleum is now setting the first of the 6 drilling rigs it had obtained permits for. Ackerman, who opposed the project along with other conservationists, is worried because the exploratory site is in the Apalachicola flood plain.
"Ninety-five percent of the Apalachicola River flood plain is connected aquatic habitat. Concerningly, during major flood events, the pads would be surrounded by flowing water."
The exploration would reach more than two miles below the Floridan Aquifer. And Ackerman feared further environmental threats could be on the way.
"It's highly probably that a hydrogen sulfide processing plant would have to be constructed if an oil field is pursued, so downstream communities could be affected."
The exploratory wells are located between the Chipoloa River, Dead Lakes and the Apalachicola River in rural Calhoun County.
