Nov 25, 2014 2 min read

South Strabane Township supervisors Tuesday approved Range Resources’ plan to begin a new Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling operation in the municipality, setting 46 conditions on the project before it gets under way next year.

The conditions, which range from sound limitations to parking restrictions, were something the Southpointe-based company “could live with,” said its representative Jim Cannon, who attended the township board meeting.

Cannon said Range representatives would be willing to meet with residents near the drill site off Kopper Kettle Road if they complain about noise. He said Range would monitor the sound and “take the next step.”

“We’re trying to make it as safe as possible,” Supervisor Jack Keisling said.

The supervisors waited until the last day to meet the 45-day deadline to render a decision following the township’s conditional use hearing on the permit. Had a decision not be rendered Tuesday, Range would have been allowed to proceed without any local conditions on the well pad.

The company will likely begin drilling in October on an 80-acre parcel of property, with the option of creating 10 new wells.

The meeting Tuesday was attended by nearly 50 people, most of whom spoke in support of Range’s plan.

“The board of supervisors should approve Range’s application,” resident Gaylord Plants said.

Another resident said the township’s retail growth is progress associated with the booming oil and gas drilling in Washington County.

Resident John DeBold spoke, however, about his concerns about allowing the company to drill in the township.

“I really don’t believe you’ll be able to enforce the conditions,” DeBold said.

Voting to approve the permit were Laynee Zipko, Dan Piatt and Robert Koman, who cast his vote over speaker phone. Keisling voted no on the motion, while Supervisor Ed Mazur abstained from voting.