This blog was written by Heaven Sensky, Community Organizer, and Mark Dugan, Organizing Fellow for CCJ, after they attended the latest meeting about oil and gas ordinances in Cecil Township.
Residents of Cecil Township have continued to organize for increased health and safety guidelines when it comes to permitting oil and gas infrastructure in their community. This past February, Cecil Township residents were given the opportunity to present recommendations to the board for changes to be made to the Township’s existing Oil and Gas Ordinance. Dozens of residents attended the meeting and the overwhelming majority of comments were in favor of updating the ordinance to include stronger safety standards, including further setbacks from residential homes. Now in October, no changes have yet been made to the existing ordinance. On Tuesday, September 28th, Cecil Township Board of Supervisors held another oil and gas ordinance workshop to receive public comment from residents in the Township. During the workshop, several residents gave comments supporting changes to the township ordinance. Going forward, residents should be aware that the most recent two conditional use hearings for two additional Range Resources well pads will fall under the guidelines of the existing oil and gas ordinance. Until the Board of Supervisors announces a public hearing wherein which they will vote on changes to be made to the oil and gas ordinance, it remains unchanged.
If you or someone you know has concerns about the current and future oil and gas development in Cecil Township, the Center for Coalfield Justice, along with FracTracker, will be holding an informational webinar October 22nd at 7PM with detailed information regarding existing and planned oil and gas development in Cecil Township.
For more information about our recommendations for changes, or to follow our research regarding the ABB property, visit the links below:
CCJ Recommendations and Breakdown of Current Cecil Oil and Gas Ordinance
A Breakdown of Available ABB Property Documents
A Fact Sheet on the Cecil Township ABB Property Agreement
What to Ask Your Local Officials When a Well Pad is too Close for Comfort
To learn more or to get involved, contact Heaven Sensky at heaven@centerforcoalfieldjustice.org or 724-229-3550 ext. 2