Cecil Supervisors Could Vote on Marcellus Shale Drilling Ordinance Next Week

Cecil supervisors met Monday regarding amending the current Marcellus Shale drilling ordinance to make those operations a conditional use and finally closed the hearing after having continued it several times over the past several months.

But that closure came after the board ironed out several remaining issues—one of them whether employees on drill sites would be permitted to bunk on site.

According to Supervisor Kevin Camerson, the board settled on allowing no more than six company supervisors to bunk in trailers.

The board also held a public hearing regarding an overlay map, which is necessary in determining a buffer for drill sites.

One major item still being determined is the buffer surrounding residences. A public hearing was held Monday regarding a new overlay map that would outline a workable and safe buffer zone.

This hearing was continued to allow the township engineer and the zoning director to review a 500 foot buffer zone from every occupied structure in the township.

Supervisors will hold another public hearing at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday prior to their regular monthly meeting to discuss the matter. The outcome of this hearing will determine whether the board can vote on both issues at the 7 PM meeting that follows.

The amended gas drilling ordinance in its proposed form is attached, as is the overlay map.