Ohio man's Bible-inspired anti-fracking billboards to come down

Billboard owners end contract with Michael Boals, who drew complaints from a company for signs saying ‘poisoned waters’ and ‘death may come’

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A billboard in Coshocton, Ohio opposes deep-injection wells. Michael Boals
Michael Boals’ billboards in Coshocton, Ohio, opposing deep-injection wells. Photograph: Robert A Franco/AP

An Ohio man who uses a biblical reference and a statement against “poisoned waters” on billboards near two wells for disposal of gas-drilling wastewater says the messages are coming down.

Michael Boals, of Coshocton east of Columbus, told the Associated Press the billboards’ owners are ending his lease agreement Tuesday. He said a July lawsuit contending the signs contain false and defamatory attacks prompted them to end his three-month verbal agreement after two months.

The complaint by Austin, Texas-based Buckeye Brine objected to statements on the two billboards along US Route 36, including a sign that says “DEATH may come.”

Boals refused to remove the signs on free speech grounds.

A message seeking comment was left Monday with the company, which says the wells are safe and legal.

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