JUNE 17th UPDATE: Is Drilling for Oil and Gas coming to Oakland Township?

There are several new developments regarding the potential drilling for oil and gas in Oakland Township. As previously reported, one property owner signed a lease agreement with West Bay Exploration Company. The property involved in that agreement is 3700 Dutton Road.

It was discovered that West Bay Exploration Company also recorded another agreement on May 11, 2015. This lease agreement is with the Oakland Christian Church located at the southwest corner of Silverbell and Adams Road.

At the June 15, 2015 Rochester Hill City Council meeting, there were approximately 12 Rochester Hills citizens that expressed concerns over the possible drilling at the Dutton Road location, which is near Musson Elementary School in our Township. In anticipation of the outpouring of citizen concerns for drilling at that location, Mayor Barnett contacted West Bay Exploration Company earlier that day to understand their drilling intentions. Mayor Barnett indicated that West Bay said there was “no interest in doing anything at that site” and “they are planning to ‘pull’ all of (their) Northern Oakland County activities”. Barnett asked that they document that intention in writing.

Mayor Barnett later explained the history behind the volatile issue of drilling in Rochester Hills. He stated Rochester Hills has taken very aggressive steps to protect the citizens from drilling in Rochester Hills through their recent ordinance changes. He indicated that their ordinances might be challenged in court. He went on to explain the delicate balance between the rights of property owners vs. protecting the larger community against indiscriminate drilling in the community. He feels Rochester Hills has done everything they can do, but have no control over what happens in Oakland Township.

If you are a concerned about how Oakland Township handles oil and gas drilling in Oakland Township, please come to the June 23rd Oakland Township Board meeting at 7 PM. The recent lease filings and West Bay’s announcement may be a ‘warning shot’ for Oakland Township. Complacency is not appropriate at this time. Trustee Bailey has asked that this issue be placed on the agenda for next Tuesday, so let’s support him.

Go to the following website to see more documentation on this issue:

JUNE 17th UPDATE: Is Drilling for Oil and Gas coming to Oakland Township?