Seismic Testing for Marcellus Shale Drilling Worries Residents

Many residents made their way to the podium at Monday night's supervisors meeting to discuss proposed seismic testing for Marcellus Shale gas drilling, zoning and fire issues.

An attorney for , Kenneth Komoroski, told the board that Range needed to re-negotiate ordinance terms for seismic testing as well as demonstrate the seismic method using “thumper” trucks on township roads.

“We’d like to show that the method doesn’t cause damage … in any case, if damage occurs, Range would pay for it—the road, the property,” Komoroski said.

“We need to proceed in the coming weeks. Time is of the essence. We’re confident once (the method) is shown and tested even in sensitive areas that all concerns will be addressed,” Komoroski added.

Rose Churray, of Shihart, asked of assurances if damage does occur how accountability is ensured.

“What is someone supposed to do if they have damage and they can’t prove it? I have huge cracks in my foundation after Dawson came on to my property without my permission and conducted seismic testing,” she said.

“As the ordinance stands, it requires non-gas holding property owners to be asked permission for seismic testing,” Solictor John Smith said.

“Let’s pick a road, have a meeting, and see how this ‘thumper’ truck works,” board Chairman Mike Debbis said.

No seismic testing has been conducted yet, as Solicitor John Smith said the original agreement had thumper trucks not being used.

“There are other issues aside from the thumper trucks … Range will have put those in writing,” Smith said.

Blight Ordinance, Zoning

Anna Coen, of 664 Old Morganza Road, who was representing herself and five others from Cool Valley, told the board that they are concerned over the contested blight ordinance that has their homes lined up for acquisition. Supervisor Elizabeth Cowden told Solicitor John Smith to write an opinion on the proposed redevelopment act, as it is reportedly contradictory to the current ordinance.

Richard Quarture, of 281 Georgetown Road, called attention to his suit against the township and the zoning officer, Bruce Bosle, over his zoning dispute of his horse farm at 281 Georgetown Road.

“You ignored me at the last meeting, Mr. Bosle,” Quarture said.

“Sir, you chased me into the men’s room,” Bosle responded to erupting laughter.

Quarture said his current zoning is slated as residential. His needed zoning in order to sell, according to Quarture, is industrial, which would allow more lenient setbacks.

“I’ve lost four prospective buyers. I’ve dropped $10,000 on attorneys’ fees,” Quarture said.

Fire issues

Mike Spellman asked the board to look into the fire department’s ability to respond to fires after, according to Spellman, two trucks that first responded to a fire on Maple Ridge Road were unable to tap in to the water hydrant. Supervisor Frank Ludwin, who said he had decades of fire fighting experience, suggested that at least for Cecil Township’s accountability and safety, a universal hydrant adapter be acquired.

In other business:

• The board announced that they would discuss increasing the false alarm fee for fire calls to add to its deterrent and punitive value. The current alarm fee rate is $15 after the first five alarms; $20 after 10 alarms. 

• Blake Miller, 18, from was honored for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.

• Township manager Don Gennuso announced as a formality that under Pennsylvania Act 14, Supervisor Frank Ludwin’s $410 monthly Medicare supplement would henceforth be reimbursed by the township retroactive to May 1.