An eastern Ohio man who uses a biblical reference and a statement against "poisoned waters" on billboards opposing a deep-injection well is facing a legal threat from the well's Texas operator.
Austin, Texas-based Buckeye Brine alleges in a July lawsuit that the billboards paid for by Michael Boals of Coshocton contain false and defamatory attacks against its well, which disposes of contaminated wastewater from oil and gas drilling. Boals refuses to pull the billboards. The 55-year-old Boals says stating the wells "pump poisoned waters" underfoot is true. An environmental legal group argues quoting prophecy from Revelation - on men dying from waters "made bitter" - is Boals' free-speech right. The company says its well is safe and legal and the messages are misleading. It's taken its complaint to the sign owner.
