Hundreds Show To Hear Details Of Lake Hefner Drilling Project
Oklahoma City residents express concerns about oil drilling plan for Lake Hefner
by Paul Monies
Several hundred residents turned out Thursday evening to hear from an oil company that wants to drill on the southern shore of Oklahoma City’s Lake Hefner.
Pedestal Oil Co. Inc. is in discussions with the Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust to drill up to six wells about 600 feet west of Stars and Stripes Park at Lake Hefner.
A draft of the proposed lease would give the trust a 21 percent royalty rate, with the proceeds going to recreational improvements at city lakes.
The proposal, which would still need approval by the water trust and the city council, drew sharp opposition from some nearby residents and recreational users of Lake Hefner.
Chanting “Stop fracking now,” scores of protestors also showed up for a rally before the meeting at the Ed Lycan Conservatory at Will Rogers Gardens in Oklahoma City.