Findlay officials tighten rules on gas wells
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Findlay officials want Marcellus Shale development in their township, but they also want to protect residents from the potential side effects of natural gas drilling.
That's why supervisors have tightened the rules on drilling operations and banned gas wells in neighborhoods and other areas where they would most affect residents.
Supervisor Janet Craig said she encourages business but also wants to protect citizens by addressing their environmental concerns.
"We still welcome [drillers], but they have to work within our guidelines," Ms. Craig said.
Tom Gallant, the supervisors' chairman, said he did not want to deter drilling companies from building wells in Findlay.
"We think it's going to create a tremendous boon in jobs," Mr. Gallant said. "We want to ensure that if they do drill, we have protections in place. But we don't want to make the regulations so onerous that they pass over the township."
Supervisors voted 3-0 last week to amend the zoning ordinance, confirming an earlier ban on residential gas wells and making well development a conditional use rather than a use by right.
Assistant Manager Chris Caruso said the change gives the supervisors and planning commission more authority to impose restrictions when reviewing drilling plans.
"It's more stringent," Mr. Caruso said. "It gives the township more protections."
The ordinance requires drillers to meet about 20 conditions to minimize noise, dust, odors, air and water pollution, road damage, safety hazards and other concerns related to gas drilling.
Supervisors may attach further conditions - such as increased setbacks - to protect public health, safety and welfare, the ordinance says.
The ordinance allows drilling operations as a conditional use in four zoning districts: agricultural, business park, light industrial and heavy industrial.
Examples of properties falling within these zones are farms; the RIDC Park West; some areas around Pittsburgh International Airport, the Findlay Connector and State Route 30; and the township's Recreation and Sports Complex.
First Published January 20, 2011 12:00 am
