Sewickley Hills Continues Gas-Drilling Hearing to August

Council Monday night a months-long public hearing for another two months to avoid any legal issues when officials finally move to enact a Marcellus Shale ordinance.

A pertaining to gas drilling in the borough took place March 28 during council’s regular work session. Council continued the hearing following that meeting to allow more time for drafting changes and to make sure the proposal doesn't overlap with current state laws. 

Lee Nute, planning commission chairman, explained to council that the commission made substantive changes redrafting the body of the ordinance and that the borough solicitor approves of the changes.  

Councilman Klaus Gross, also a planning commission member, said Monday that substantive changes have been made to the proposed ordinance, which essentially means the borough has to readvertise before making a final adoption.

Nute said the commission agreed to limit Marcellus Shale drilling to the borough's commercial-industrial area by locating three sites that exceed the 3-acre minimum necessary to allow drilling.

Council President Tom Klixbull said the public hearing has to be scheduled at least 45 days from now.

The board voted to have the hearing during the Aug. 22 work session.

“At that time we can make a decision to accept or reject that ordinance,” Klixbull said.

If enacted, the ordinance would permit Marcellus Shale drilling to the borough's commercial and industrial district, which lies in the area of Glenfield Road and Interstate 79.