Richland Tightens Regulations for Oil and Gas Drilling

Regulations for gas and oil drilling in Richland Township became stricter Wednesday night when the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to amend the township's zoning ordinance.

Until now, the township has had minimal gas drilling regulations, said Solicitor Charles Means.

"The amount of regulations and things that have to be covered is greatly expanded," he said, as he summarized 13 pages of regulations that will replace the previous half page of requirements.

The new rules permit gas and oil wells, natural gas processing plants and compressor stations, subject to certain limits. A special exception permit would be required.

The areas where drilling is allowed have not changed, said Means. Drilling is allowed only in the commerce/industrial [CM] and restricted light industrial [M] districts.

The new regulations govern truck traffic, noise, fencing and netting around ponds, odor, stormwater disposal and more.

The ordinance also requires drillers to provide emergency-service providers with a site visit, orientation, emergency plans and maps so they can respond adequately.

The township regulations do not cover water quality, because that falls under the purview of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Means said.