The following is an update on the status of the proposed ordinance regarding non-conventional oil and gas drilling. When reading through, please note that if you click on any text that is underlined and in gold, it will take you directly to that document. To aid in this process, we have reposted our prior updates dated February 25, April 25 and May 24. If you have not already done so, we encourage you to read those updates to get some background on the process. We also recommend you review the minutes of prior Borough Council and Planning Commission meetings. In addition, you can review the eleven revisions to the ordinance recommended by the Planning Commission at their May 14th meeting. Item 11 includes a revised overlay district map that changes the eastern and western boundaries of the district.
On June 5th at 5:00 pm, prior to the Borough Council Work Session meeting, Council and Mayor met with attorney Amy Sable in Executive Session to discuss the options listed in our 5/24 update. Based on this discussion, Council has chosen Option 2 and intends to introduce a revised ordinance at the June 19th Borough Council meeting that incorporates the eleven revisions recommended by the Planning Commission plus the following changes:
- Increase the setback from a protected structure to 1,100 feet (it is currently set at 1,000 feet)
- Address low frequency (“C” scale noise)
- Require a vibration study, analysis, management and mitigation plan
- Further control lighting
The revised ordinance will be posted on the Borough website as soon as it has been completed, and prior to the June 19th meeting. Council and Mayor will be voting on a motion at this meeting to place the revised ordinance into pending status. The ordinance will then be submitted to Allegheny County and the Borough Planning Commission for review and comment. Council will hold its next public hearing on the ordinance once it receives feedback from Allegheny County and the Planning Commission. It is anticipated that this public hearing will occur on August 21st.
We will continue providing updates throughout this process.