75 concerned Hennessey residents packed seminar room at the school auditorium Tuesday, February 17, hear details and raise questions about a proposed commercial waste facility planned northeast of Hennessey.
Organizers opposing the project said the goal was to share information contained in two separate permit applications filed with two state agencies, the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) and the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC). “Our intent is not to bash anybody,” organizer Mike Maley told the crowd. “We’re going to present the information as it’s written down in the two applications.”
Maley said the proposed site is about 2.3 miles from Hennessey’s city limits, prompting concerns about proximity to homes, schools, and rural landowners.
According to Maley, Sooner Solid Solutions, applying through ODEQ, is seeking approval to mix fly ash and oil field waste in open, lined pits. He described fly ash as a coal-combustion byproduct and said opponents worry fine dust could become airborne during Oklahoma winds. The application also indicates spent caustic would come from Marathon. Audience members questioned why out-of-state industrial waste would be brought into Kingfisher County.
A second application, filed with the OCC by Centennial Solids Control, proposes up to seven open pits measuring 350 feet by 550 feet and 25 feet deep. Opponents said the size of the pits and long-term storage raise concerns about wind, runoff, and future impacts to the area water supply.
A major focus was Centennial’s request for variances from OCC rules, including a setback rule that generally keeps commercial pit facilities at least three miles from towns under 20,000 population. This proposed location is 2.3 miles from Hennessey Town limits.
Audience members also questioned whether the pits could even be dug as proposed given shallow groundwater in the area.
Brad Schultz, an engineer from the Hillsdale area, shared his community’s experience with odors and impacts tied to spent caustics, referencing a February 2025 incident near Hillsdale, Oklahoma.
Retired Enid physician Dr. David Matousek also raised health concerns tied to airborne dust and potential water contamination.
Jocelyn Matousek, a Hennessey High School senior and granddaughter of Dr. David Matousek told the crowd she has asthma, and worries about how airborne dust and runoff could affect both her health and the environment she cares about.
“Think about our livestock. Think about the farmers,” Matousek said. “I just don’t want to go off to college and come home and not recognize Hennessey.”
Attorney Michael Booze urged residents to stay engaged, contact elected officials, and remember that “non-hazardous” is a legal label and “doesn’t mean safe.” Organizers asked attendees to sign up for updates and continue contacting regulators as the reviews move forward.
This entire meeting was broadcast live and can be viewed at AllAboutHennessey.com website.
Photos by AAH Jack Quirk
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