Peters Council Mulling Seismic Testing Regulations

Peters Township Council on Monday discussed amending its oil and gas ordinance to include regulations for seismic testing.

Seismic testing is used in the Marcellus Shale industry to determine the geo structure of an area, and where the best place would be to commence drilling activities.

Manager Michael Silvestri said the solicitor is reviewing language in the oil and gas drilling ordinances of nearby Cecil and Robinson townships regarding seismic testing.

Council took no action on the proposed amendment, instead opting to allow its solicitor to tweak language to ensure that it is compliant with the state's law governing Marcellus Shale drilling, known as Act 13.

Silvestri noted that the topic of seismic testing was brought up a second time during the meeting—this time by EQT Corp.

A representative of the drilling company attended Monday's meeting to request it be able to seismic tesing activities in the southeast area of the township.

Silvestri said the majority of the proposed testing would take place in the Hackett area of Peters.

The company indicated that it would use the Vibroseis method, which would mean vehicles known as "thumper trucks" would be employed in the testing process.

Council has not yet stated it would permit the activity on Peters Township roads.

At the meeting, Silvestri raised a concern about the three orphan coal mines in the area that are very shallow.