Mt. Pleasant has asked Southpointe-based Marcellus Shale drilling company Range Resources to remove four impoundments operating in the township.
Mt. Pleasant Zoning Officer Larry Chome said that notices of violation had been sent to Range Resources regarding the impoundments—three of which are for fresh water and one of which is for waste water.
He said that it is Mt. Pleasant's position that the continued existence of the impoundments violates a township ordinance because they are considered "incidental" uses—and aren't needed because the corresponding wells have long been drilled.
"There hasn't been any new drilling in the township for two years," Chome said.
The township, he said, is specifically concerned that the fresh water impoundments could be converted to waste water impoundments" with the stroke of a pen."
Range Resources, which had 10 days to submit a removal plan or appeal, opted for the latter option.
Chome said that it was Range Resource's position that "it's an incorrect notice of violation."
Range Resources spokesman Matt Pitzarella did not return a call to his cell phone seeking comment on the matter.
A zoning board hearing on Range's appeal has been scheduled for 7 p.m. Aug. 13. It will take place in the Mt. Pleasant Township Fire Department's social hall. Residents living within 500 feet of the impoundments received registered letters advising them of the public hearing.
The action taken by Mt. Pleasant comes in the wake of a private meeting between Cecil supervisors and the state Department of Environmental Protection regarding a Range Resources impoundment in the township.
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