Murrysville: Any comments on proposed gas drilling law?
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Next week, Murrysville residents will have an opportunity to provide feedback on a proposed ordinance that would shape the future of Marcellus Shale drilling in their community.
Municipal council last week unanimously voted to authorize the planning commission to host a public hearing Tuesday in council chambers regarding a proposed ordinance that would regulate deep well drilling into Marcellus Shale, a layer of rock deep beneath the Earth's surface that is believed to contain a copious amount of natural gas.
The proposed ordinance is geared toward protecting the community's interests in areas such as natural water supplies, road conditions, traffic impacts, retention ponds and noise.
The ordinance was previewed at a special meeting Sept. 29. No public comment was taken during the session.
After Councilwoman Nancy Kacin asked whether council chambers could comfortably host next week's hearing, chief administrator Jim Morrison said seating would be made available in the lobby of the building.
"We had about 45 people attend the September meeting, and no one was at the planning commission meeting [Oct. 6]," Mr. Morrison said. "I think we will be fine to host it here."
The session will be televised on Murrysville's Channel 19.
An ad hoc Marcellus Shale committee, consisting of council members and local professionals, crafted the 33-page ordinance over four-plus months. Council president Joan Kearns said the group calibrated the ordinance from similar ordinances across the area and crafted it to Murrysville's needs.
Texas-based Range Resources, with local headquarters in Southpointe, Washington County, has applied for a drilling permit in Murrysville. It is the first company to do so in the community.
In other news, council awarded Pugliano Construction Co. of Pittsburgh the contract to replace the Washington Street Bridge, which has been closed. The cost of the project is just below $49,000. A Community Development Block Grant worth $50,000 will be used.
First Published October 14, 2010 6:12 am
