Jul 29, 2015 2 min read

Range Resources asked Washington County Court to intervene in a Chartiers Township land-use matter in which the oil and gas company claims township supervisors are imposing a condition that creates safety concerns.

Matt Pitzarella, director of corporate communications and public affairs for Range, said Chartiers Township supervisors are “looking to limit the number of workers on site” at three new wells. He said the limit creates a safety concern as additional workers stay on-site as a safety precaution. Pitzarella said there are roughly seven workers that stay on-site at a time.

“They want to say that no more than three workers can stay on location during drilling, but drilling is a 24-hour process,” he said.

Chartiers Township supervisors gave Range conditional use approval for the Clara Little, 160 Meddings Road, and Edward Moritz, 447 Arthur Road, gas wells June 23. Bird Run gas well, along Kings Road, was approved July 14. Supervisors placed more than 40 conditions on each well, which are slated to be started this summer. The wells are a part of a proposal that could eventually add 10 wells to the 68 already located in Chartiers Township.

Pitzarella said Range is not trying to be “combative” by filing the appeal.

“We’re confident that the township has developed conditions for drilling with the goal of benefiting the entire community and with the least possible inconveniences, which is a goal that we share. There are some aspects that we believe will limit our ability to meet the safety standards that we demand of ourselves and that the community expects,” he said. “We respect and appreciate the job that the township is doing and we’re hopeful we can resolve this matter.”

Township solicitor James Likar did not return calls for comment.