LETTER Mount Pleasant zoning changes questioned
Mount Pleasant zoning changes questioned
Mount Pleasant Township recently took action to change its zoning ordinances and map. The changes allow for a larger area of the township to be zoned agricultural instead of residential. This included rezoning land where Fort Cherry district schools are located. The change also allows bunk houses and wastewater impoundments for oil and gas development. These have been problematic issues in the past.
Zoning changes from residential to agricultural may allow for more Marcellus Shale development as opposed to residential development. However, the new ordinances are less restrictive of oil and gas activity, especially in the agricultural area. Of major concern is the lack of protection with proper and necessary setbacks from drilling’s industrial activity.
The recent explosion at an XTO Energy site near the Pennsylvania line is one example of the dangers that people living close to this activity are exposed to. One hundred people within 5,280 feet had to be evacuated. Yet supervisors will allow well pad activity to occur less than 1,000 feet from residents.
Range Resources claims at well permit hearings that it is a safe industry or just a temporary nuisance to those of us who live near its business.
Yet, according to their own resent prospectus, “Oil and natural gas operations are subject to many risks, including well blowouts … fires, pollution, releases of toxic natural gas and other environmental hazards and risks.” They then go on to state that the company could suffer losses due to these harms.
This language is not disclosed at local approvals.
Why would any government official knowingly put constituents in harm’s way, especially with weak ordinances and improper zoning?
Cathy Lodge
Bulger