The Virginia Defamation Law Blog
Duck Creek Energy, an Ohio oil and gas development company, has sued two local environmental activists, Tish O’Dell and Michelle Aini, for various claims arising from their publication of statements characterizing Duck Creek’s product as “a product of fracking.” Duck Creek claims the defendants are liable for (1) defamation per se; (2) tortious interference with existing business relationships; and (3) tortious interference with prospective business relationships. According to Duck Creek, the activists acted with malice and/or negligently disseminated false information, even after being apprised of the true facts.
Duck Creek manufactures and distributes AquaSalina, a salt solution used for de-icing roads. AquaSalina is made from raw brine, a byproduct of oil and gas exploration, which Duck Creek purifies at a plant in Cleveland. It has been used for years because its heavy salt concentration works on surfaces in temperatures as low as -10 degrees Fahrenheit. In contrast, a liquid solution made with rock salt only works in temperatures down to about twenty three degrees Fahrenheit. AquaSalina was environmentally tested in 2004 and found to be safe.
The Complaint alleges that shortly after an article appeared on Cleveland.com discussing the effectiveness of AquaSalina, O’Dell sent a “Dear Neighbors” email to various recipients, including the mayor of Brecksville, Ohio. Brecksville was an AquaSalina customer. In her 
email, O’Dell characterized AquaSalina as “waste fracking fluids” and criticized the reporter for failing to mention toxic chemicals and radioactive material in liquid from fracking. She encouraged the email recipients to read other articles she attached, which, Duck Creek claims, had nothing to do with AquaSalina. O’Dell allegedly continued to claim, at public meetings, that AquaSalina was environmentally unsafe. Brecksville thereafter decided not to use the product. O’Dell and another member of an environmental group also allegedly warned a second city to “stop spreading carcinogens on our streets” which, Duck Creek asserts, refers to AquaSalina.
Whether this is a case of overzealous environmentalists or merely concerned citizens exercising their right of free speech remains to be determined. However, this litigation should serve as a reminder to activists and other public speakers to always be careful to check their facts before making public accusations.