Jan 15, 2016 4 min read

A feeling of us versus them has settled over South Strabane Township meetings, with a line drawn between those who support natural gas drilling and those who do not.

Most residents who address council have strong opinions on the polarizing topic and are forthcoming with reasons drilling is either a benefit or detriment to the township.

Board of Supervisors Chairman Jack Keisling asked participants several times to raise a hand in support of or opposition to gas development. Tallies fluctuate from meeting to meeting, though recently, more residents declared support for the industry and expressed frustration over delayed action.

Like many municipalities, the township is home to a bonanza of natural-gas drilling activities requiring action: Officials are four years into updating the oil and gas ordinance. In the past month, they’ve been named in two gas company lawsuits, and four months passed since supervisors called for a curative amendment, allowing time to address drilling ordinance deficiencies.

In the midst of making these weighty decisions, two new supervisors recently took office, and a new solicitor was selected, replacing attorney Thomas Lonich, who handled industry matters.

Supervisor Thomas L. Moore, who took office last week and previously served on the board from 2008 to 2014, said he makes decisions based on what’s best for residents, regardless of the perception he is against drilling.

“I think the biggest problem is a lot of misconceptions out there. A lot of folks who – they’re either anti-drilling or they’re pro-drilling – some have leases and some don’t. Sometimes on the board of supervisors, we have a bit of a balancing act. First and foremost, I represent nearly 10,000 people in this township. When I look at issues, I can’t just look at a small group. I try to look at the big picture,” Moore said. “I’m very much in favor of drilling if its done right, in the right locations, and correct measures are taken.”

While officials are tasked with performing the duties of the office with fidelity, residents questioned if that’s possible for a board of supervisors whose members all have – or had – a lease with gas companies.

New solicitor Jack Cambest said it is not unusual for an elected official to have a gas lease, especially in a township with such a rural presence.

Cambest, whose firm represents the City of Washington and municipalities in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties, said he advises his clients there is no conflict of interest in taking action on natural gas development unless the action would directly benefit that person or their family.

“That poses a questions of, ‘If I vote for them to drill in that area, does that give me personal gain?'” he said. “I have no evidence that anyone on South Strabane’s board has sat down and said, ‘I’ll vote for this if you vote for this.’ I have no evidence that would lead me to believe that anybody has engaged in any conduct or has anything personal to gain from voting that would violate the (state) Ethics Act.”

Supervisors Edward Mazur and Robert Weber said they didn’t want to comment on litigation issues. Keisling could not be reached for comment.

Supervisor Laynee Zipko, who regularly abstained from voting on gas development after she announced having a gas lease early last year, began voting on gas matters in December and said she is representing the people who voted her into office.

“Everyone is aware that the gas industry has brought to our township … a mixed bag of controversy and prosperity,” said Zipko in an email Wednesday. “As community leaders, we need to keep focused on allowing the industry to move forward with the least impact to the environment and the residents, and keeping safety a priority. I will continue to research and seek information, because the techniques and the regulations continue to change. My decisions will continue to be based on these considerations.”

Range Resources filed suits against the township in Washington County Court Dec. 16 and 30, appealing the denial of the Baumel and Zediker Station West gas well sites’ conditional-use applications.

Range cited a section of the Municipal Planning Code stating when supervisors fail to hold a required hearing within 60 days of receiving an application, “the decision shall be deemed to have been rendered in favor of the applicant.”

During a special meeting Jan. 7, supervisors reversed their previous denial and approved the Zediker application, but added four conditions. Cambest said he expects litigation on Zediker to continue.

Both sides are scheduled to appear in Washington County Court on the Baumel site Jan. 27.

The next board of supervisors meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 26.