Plum Council Reconsiders Where Well Drilling Can Occur

They can’t say how, but they can say where when it comes to deep well drilling in Plum Borough.

And council is working out how to do just that.

Borough manager Michael Thomas said Plum is considering an amendment to the borough’s existing deep well drilling zoning ordinance.

The amendment to the ordinance would identify what land in the borough could be designated for deep well drilling.

Thomas said that in Pennsylvania a location for every potential use of the land has to be provided.

 “At this point, we are just trying to identify the area to steer the drilling,” he said after Monday night’s work session.

“You try to steer specific uses to certain areas,” he said.

The amendment to the ordinance would not regulate shallow wells.

The borough planning commission reviewed the amendment, which was authored by planning director Greg Batchy, Thomas said.

Borough residents will have the opportunity to voice their opinions on the amendment at a public hearing at the borough building to be held May 3 at 6 p.m.

The borough will also advertise the proposed amendment before council’s May 9 voting meeting.