Rostraver Township to investigation possible violation of seismic testing ordinance
ROSTRAVER TWP. — Commissioners vowed to investigate a company that was allegedly violating the township’s seismic data testing policy.
During the board’s monthly meeting, Rostraver Township resident Patricia Clark told the commissioners that a technician from Cougar Land Services was recently setting up seismic testing sensors in her front yard and preparing to conduct a subsurface test before she intervened.
“I told him to get off my property,” said Clark, who lives on Fells Church Road. “He had no right to be there.”
Clark said that last month a representative from EQT Corporation called her and asked for permission to conduct seismic testing on her property. EQT, one of the country’s largest natural gas producers, has hired companies such as Cougar Land Service and Geokinetics to explore for potential petroleum and natural gas development in the area. Clark told the board she did not give EQT permission to proceed with any testing.
After her encounter with Cougar Land Services, Clark called EQT for an explanation why this incident happened.
“EQT told me the commissioners gave them permission to conduct testing on residents’ property,” she said. “I’m very scared. My house sits on big piece of shale and could crumble. This is such a nice community. Why are we allowing this to happen here?”
Solicitor Albert Gaudio told Clark that the township forbids energy companies from conducting seismic testing on private property.
“According to our ordinance, energy companies only have a right to conduct seismic testing from the roadway,” he said. “What they can’t do is come on your property, unless you give them permission to do so.”
Gaudio added that the ordinance allows for special circumstances when a company is working for an individual who owns mineral rights for a property. Even in that case, the gas company has to go to court to get a permit for seismic testing.
Commissioner Devin DeRienzo added that the township’s ordinance clearly spells out rules for seismic testing.
“We had to pass this ordinance in advance,” he said. “Otherwise, these companies could come into town and do whatever they wanted.”
Chairman Gary N. Beck Sr. promised to follow up with an investigation.
“This is why we pushed for this ordinance,” he said. “We put restrictions in to prevent this from happening. We will look into it.”
Also during the meeting, the board approved Phase I of a four-zone dog park that will be constructed near Pavilion 1 at Cedar Creek Park. The Westmoreland County Department of Parks and Recreation will build and operate the park, with no cost to taxpayers.
“The county felt that Rostraver Township would be an ideal location for the dog park,” said Beck. “Cedar Creek Park attracts a lot of visitors and the dog park will be another attraction for our area.”
In addition, the board tabled votes on two separate resolutions that would set regulations for the display and sale of consumer fireworks and the use of fireworks in the township.
“This is will give us some control over what businesses and individuals can do. It protects them as well as us. We want to spend a little more time fine tuning the criteria before the ordinance is passed,” said Beck.
In other action, the board approved the final subdivision of Phase II of the Marian Woodlands Planned Residential Development, authorized the secretary to advertise a public comment period for the Pollutant Plan and awarded a contract to Robert Hannan Flooring to install carpet and vinyl in the Rostraver Township Meeting Room for $14,288.