CHARLESTON – Three more lawsuits have been filed against Antero Resources Corporation after individuals claim it has caused them damages due to its fracking practices.
Antero Resources Appalachian Corp. and Hall Drilling LLC also were named as defendants in the suit.
William M. Westfall and W.M.W., a minor; Charles E. Yeager Jr. and Melanie D. Yeager; and Jennie Lynn Lynch all own property that is in close proximity to the defendants’ oil and/or natural gas drilling, exploration, extraction, compression, pipeline construction, transportation and related activities, according to three complaints filed in Kanawha Circuit Court.
The plaintiffs claim the defendants' activities and instrumentalities frequently produce spills, emissions and discharges of hazardous gases and materials, chemicals and other industrial/hazardous wastes.
Due to the defendants’ activities, the plaintiffs have been forced to breathe these emissions on a frequent basis, which substantially contributes to their harms and damages, according to the suits.
The plaintiffs claim due to the defendants’ activities, they have suffered and continue to suffer damages to themselves, their properties, their quality of life and their rights to the use and enjoyment of their properties.
The defendants have frequently, repeatedly and substantially interfered with the plaintiffs' use and enjoyment of their properties, according to the suits.
The plaintiffs claim the defendants actions have caused them substantial discomfort, inconvenience, annoyance, offense to the senses, loss of peace of mind, angst, anxiety, distress, disgust, embarrassment, fear, apprehension, concern, difficulty sleeping, health concerns, deprivation of the ability to further develop the property, destruction of the serenity of the property and concern for water and air quality.
The defendants have also repeatedly concealed the dangerous natural of their natural gas activities and the impact these activities have on nearby landowners and the environment, according to the suits.
The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory and punitive damages. They are being represented by Aaron Harrah and James D. Peterson of Hill Peterson Carper Bee & Deitzler PLLC; and Anthony J. Majestro of Powell & Majestro.
The cases have been assigned to Circuit Judges Tod J. Kaufman and Joanna Tabit.
Multiple lawsuits have been filed against Antero for fracking since December in Kanawha Circuit Court.
Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 15-C-1004, 15-C-1005, 15-C-1006