FREDERICK, Md. – The release of clay from a drilling operation near Buckeystown led a Frederick County Division of Planning and Permitting environmental inspector to halt all work at the location until testing can be conducted. The drilling was taking place as part of Quantum Loophole’s project to run fiber to their property. The work occurred near a tributary of the Monocacy River. Because of potential environmental concerns, the Maryland Department of the Environment and the Frederick County Health Department were notified. The order to stop work occurred Monday afternoon, within hours of the County being alerted to the incident.
The drilling contractor, NPL, is authorized to use bentonite, a clay material that is commonly used in the drilling, including drilling for drinking wells. Inspectors are working to determine how much material was released, and whether the release contaminated groundwater or the nearby stream. As more information becomes available, details will be released.
Residents in the area who notice any cloudiness in their water can contact the Frederick County Health Department’s Environmental Health unit at 301-600-1719.
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*This release has been updated to correct the name of the drilling contractor.