Council Expands Mineral Extraction Ordinance by 14 Pages

The rain came down heavy, as did residents' anticipation for the third public hearing on the proposed-conditional use ordinance governing Marcellus Shale drilling, at Peters Township Council chambers Monday.

Following the pledge of allegiance, township Manager Michael Silvestri expressed his opinion on the hot topic to council. He said he feels council needs to act soon on an ordinance, and is concerned by the impacted effects Peters has seen from drilling in Nottingham and Union townships.

Peters Township Planning Director Ed Zuk walked residents and council through the new proposed ordinance's revisions—a 14-page addition to the original. 

"We learned from (residents) at the December hearing that 20 acres is too small and there were issues with compressor stations, noise and traffic," he said. "We beefed up noise requirements." 

According to the ordinance, the township may require acoustical blankets, sound walls, mufflers or other alternative methods to ensure compliance depending on the location of a proposed drill site to adjacent residential properties. 

Most residents Monday commended council for its efforts on tightening the ordinance, stating that it's "tremendously better" than the original, but "not good enough." 

Nearly 20 residents expressed similar concerns, and the desire for a complete ban on drilling, which township Solicitor Bill Johnson noted is illegal and could be challenged in court.

The 200-foot drill site setback was an issue among many attendees. 

Residents Rod Fletcher, Robert Donnan and Nadine Fletcher asked for revisions of at least 500-1,000 feet set backs.

Resident Grant Carroll questioned the township's Home Rule Charter and presented two radius maps—one of which represents an approximate one-mile radius near the borders of all proposed gas sites, and the other a three-mile radius (see photo gallery). 

Township resident Jet Miskis suggested the requirement of bird netting to be placed in the ordinance, as well as a regulation on bull horns. 

Stacey Brodak of Chesapeake Energy and Jim Cannon of Range Resources were both in attendance. 

Council will vote Aug. 8 on a proposed amendment regarding the mineral extraction ordinance regulating gas drilling in the township.

Members of the Peters Township Marcellus Shale Awareness Group, who , must meet an Aug. 9 deadline.

View the ordinance above.