ATHENS, Ohio (AP) — Around 100 protesters have been escorted from a public forum over injection gas drilling in southeastern Ohio.

The Columbus Dispatch reports that it happened Wednesday night in Athens. A group protesting a proposed waste well for hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, were removed after chanting and shouting their opposition during what state officials had called an "open house" on the proposal.

The opponents were already angry that the state decided to conduct the public forum instead of a formal hearing where their statements would become part of the official record.

The protesters escorted out of the meeting regrouped with others outside to continue the demonstration.

The plan faces strong opposition from some in Athens County, who fear it could contaminate drinking water. The state says that risk is minuscule.