Cecil Reapproves Marcellus Shale Ordinances

Range Resources attorney Ken Komoroski said he didn't want any "trouble" but said that in their current forms, two Cecil ordinances related to the regulation of Marcellus Shale drilling were still "unlawful."

Komoroski made the remarks during public hearings supervisors held Monday night to discuss repeal two ordinances and replacing them with updated language.

But those comments were separate from what was appealed by the company: the procedure by which the township approved the ordinances.

Township solicitor John Smith has said that an appeal filed by Range Resources following the ordinances' approval earlier this fall alleged that the supervisors made major changes to the documents and should have readvertised.

Board chairman Mike Debbis explained during the meetings that language in an ordinance that provides for a natural gas drilling overlay district includes a setback distance of 500 feet from occupied structures.

It also includes a provision that allows for residents to waive that 500-foot setback requirement. The ordinances also calls for a 2,000-foot setback or schools.

The second ordinance makes drilling a conditional use, and Debbis said it was essentially the same document, and that the board had simply "cleaned up some wording."

Supervisors ended up approving both ordinances at their regular meeting, which followed the public hearings and an outburst from resident Mary Dalbo on Monday (see attached video). Some language suggested by Range was also incorporated into the ordinances.

But that was against the recommendation of Komoroski, who asked that the board postpone a decision until legislation regarding Marcellus Shale is approved.