Cecil Supervisors: More Info Needed Before Seismic Testing Can Begin

Two representatives from Dawson Geophysical were in attendance at 's regular board of supervisors meeting this past week to defend the company's application to conduct seismic exploration within the township.
 
Director of Zoning Bruce Bosle listed several deficiencies in the packet submitted by the applicant, who was hired by an unnamed third party to conduct the survey. Bill McIntosh, who was representing Dawson, said the company did not realize all of the items were required to accompany the application.
 
Among the missing documents were a license proving the right to handle explosives in Pennsylvania, the submitting of a performance bond, and a map illustrating what property owners have given permission for testing to take place on their property.
 
Supervisor Tom Casciola said he believes the intent of an ordinance passed last spring regarding seismic testing was to permit private homeowners from having he activity on their property, but it is not permitted on township roads.
 
Resident Elizabeth Cowden said Dawson performed testing on her sister’s property in the past and based on her own experience, would oppose any testing on or along her property.
 
"Some of the charges never went off. We had to contact them and tell them about it," said Cowden.
 
She also claimed wires were left on the property, holes were not filled in and trees were plowed that were not supposed to be effected.
 
Other residents also expressed concerns for possible consequences in regard to water lines, mine subsidence and undetonated explosives.
 
Ultimately, Dawson withdrew its application with the intent of meeting with Bosle to review what is lacking and then resubmitting.
 
"This is the first time the ordinance is actually being utilized. The intent of the board was there was the application process that you would submit and then you would come to the board demonstrating you had satisfied all the items on the ordinance so that the board could then approve," said township solicitor John Smith.
 
A public hearing will be held once the application is complete to allow residents to ask questions and learn more.
 
In other business, supervisors set the final two budget workshops for Nov. 23 and Dec. 8 at 6:30 p.m.