OH HB439

Prohibits the surface application of brine from oil and gas wells on any road or highway in Ohio, eliminating a previous exception that allowed this practice under section 1509.226

Repeals section 1509.226 of the Revised Code, which had authorized the use of oil and gas well brine for road dust control and ice removal purposes

Prohibits the chief of the division of oil and gas resources management from adopting any rules authorizing surface application of brine to roads or highways

Establishes civil penalties of $2,500 to $10,000 per violation for applying brine to road surfaces, with criminal penalties of up to $10,000 fine and six months imprisonment for first offense, or $20,000 and two years for subsequent offenses

Removes surface application as an approved disposal method for brine, leaving only underground injection, enhanced recovery methods, or other chief-approved disposal methods as legal options