ARLINGTON -- The City Council approved revisions to the natural gas drilling ordinance Tuesday that more strictly regulate well site security, aesthetics and equipment while simplifying the permit process.
Arlington officials have been working for more than a year on the ordinance, last revised in 2007, to minimize the long-term impact of gas drilling on infrastructure, the environment and a property's redevelopment potential.Future gas wells will have to comply with the new rules, which include installation of surveillance cameras and a ban on diesel-powered drilling rigs within 450 feet of homes and other protected places."This ordinance reflects a lot that we've learned and certainly addresses concerns we've heard from the industry and the public," Councilwoman Sheri Capehart said.The council vote was 7-0 on the second reading. Councilman Robert Shepard was absent, and Gene Patrick's seat remains unfilled after he resigned for health reasons.Councilman Mel LeBlanc, who had initially voted against the revisions, said he considered some of the proposed rules unnecessarily burdensome for the drilling industry.For example, at one point, the council was considering a complete ban on diesel-powered drilling rigs to address noise and pollution concerns.Industry representatives, however, reported that electric or hybrid rigs are not always readily available, which can substantially delay drilling."We take this whole drilling thing for granted," LeBlanc said. "I realize there could be a tipping point where drillers pull out and move to rural areas where they don't have this type of conflict they have in urban areas."Councilman Robert Rivera had also initially voted against the ordinance, citing concerns about the lack of air testing as well as the potential cost for drillers to bring their well sites up to code before adding new wells."It's not a perfect document by any means," Rivera said, adding, "I'd rather be supportive than not. We need to be as progressive and proactive as possible in protecting" Arlington residents.The tougher rules include increasing from 100 feet to 200 feet the minimum distance between gas well equipment, such as tank batteries, and protected structures.Companies will also have to build masonry walls around pad sites within 30 days of the first well becoming operational.Current code requires the walls to be built after drilling operations, which could take years.Companies could also be required to add landscaping around frack ponds and pipes and valves that are visible from public streets or within 600 feet of a protected structure.The council also voted to give companies 60 days after drilling operations end to remove sound walls.That will help prevent the tall structures from becoming eyesores near neighborhoods.One change, however, is designed to save drillers three to four months in the permit approval process.Drillers will now be allowed to apply for a specific-use permit, which designates a location as approved for drilling, at the same time they apply for a gas well permit, which allows drilling to begin.In the past, companies had to wait until the council approved a specific-use permit at two hearings before they could apply for a gas well permit.Susan Schrock, 817-709-7578Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
