Scott is the latest community to set up regulations governing oil and gas drilling and extractions.

Following a hearing Tuesday night on the controversial issue, officials voted 6-1 to adopt an ordinance that allows such extractions, as well as natural gas processing plants and compressor stations, as conditional uses within its four commercially zoned districts, as well as its industrial zone.

Commissioner Craig Stephens cast the dissenting vote, stating after the meeting. "I just have concerns about the whole process -- the contamination, the drinking water." He said he also was worried about disruptions to local roads.

Commissioners Betty Ann Connors and Tom Castello were absent for the vote, with Mr. Castello arriving late because he was at another meeting.

About a dozen residents and others spoke against the proposed ordinance, which is available at www.scott-twp.com.

"I believe it is against the health and well-being of our future generations," said longtime resident Darlene Lucas of Greentree Road.

Though the ordinance provides for issues such as noise and road use, Mary Ann McCormick of Jaycee Drive worried that her residential street would be affected because of its proximity to some of the zones where extractions are allowed.

"Isn't this going to impact us, too?" she asked.

That prompted Commissioner Dave Calabria to ask if the trucks would be bonded for road repairs, to which solicitor John Vogel replied affirmatively.

Peters resident Ann Shaner said gas/oil well drilling and extractions in Pennsylvania are different than in places like the southwest because of the state's hilly terrain and wetter climate.

"People are not educated in this matter," she continued, adding that people have a right to clean water, air and land.

Other sections of Scott's ordinance, which provides buffer zones for protected structures like homes and schools, also require gas and oil companies to file site plans and to provide residents with a two-week notice of intent to drill.

Though 14 acres of the township were under gas or oil well drilling lease as of May 2010, Commissioner Bill Wells said yesterday that Scott's ordinance would deter drilling activity.

"There's not much property left. Most of the commercial areas are pretty dense," he said.

First Published: May 26, 2011, 10:00 a.m.