Saying they were concerned about comments received during a public hearing last week, Peters council Monday voted unanimously to form a special group to help determine if gas well drilling should be allowed in the township, and, if so, where.

“I think we need more information. I don’t know what the health hazards are,” said Councilman Frank Arcuri, who agreed with other council members to delay further action regarding a revamped ordinance council had planned to pass next month.

The township in 2011 passed a gas drilling ordinance that set aside an overlay district where drilling could occur on properties of more than 40 acres. But the drilling landscape changed with a 2013 state Supreme Court decision that gave municipalities more leeway to control where drilling takes place. As a result of the complicated ruling, township officials felt their ordinance wouldn't pass legal muster in its current form.

Council planned to replace the former ordinance with a proposed one that called for drilling to be a conditional use in light industrial areas, but a public hearing that drew more than 100 people last week produced testimony that concerned council.

Speakers from throughout Washington County told council members that even though the township may pass stringent requirements for drilling companies, there was no guarantee the companies would follow or acknowledge the rules.

“They will ignore your ordinances and do what they want to do," said JoAnne Wagner of Mount Pleasant Township, who said a drilling company in her neighborhood built a facility without a permit and didn’t even notify township officials, who discovered what happened after construction was complete.

Council President David Ball proposed creating a working group comprised of council members, planning commission members and experts who could gather data from witnesses and make recommendations to council. He didn’t rule out a ban on drilling.

”I don’t believe it’s a given that we have to provide for drilling,“ Mr. Ball said.

The proposal for the working group was approved, and Mr. Ball was named to the new group along with Councilwoman Monica Merrell.

Whatever their decision, it’s important to be informed about the issues, solicitor John Smith said.

”To ward off any potential claims, you have to prove the process was well thought out,“ he said.

First Published: January 29, 2015, 5:00 a.m.