DP News

November 17, 2009

Lehman outlines drilling safeguards

CAMILLE FIOTI Times Leader Correspondent

LEHMAN TWP. -- Tony Rutchauskas, president of the Hayfield Farm Home Owners Association, asked the supervisors Monday what steps are being taken to ensure the township’s protection from the negative effects of oil and gas drilling.

Whit-Mar, a Denver-based firm, has a hold on oil and gas leases in the area.

Supervisor Dave Sutton said the new subdivision and land development ordinance prohibits such drilling without a conditional-use permit.

He said a public hearing must come before a permit is approved.

Whit-Mar has obtained an application for a permit, but has not submitted it yet, he added.

“There is no place in Lehman Township that they can drill without coming for a hearing,” Supervisor Doug Ide said.

In other business, the board passed the first reading of the proposed 2010 budget.

The $1,103,758 spending plan includes a tax increase of .6661, which is roughly $70 to $80 per household.

The new millage rate will be 1.25 mills.

The current millage is .5839.

A mill is a $1 tax on every $1,000 of assessed property value.

The proposed budget will be voted on at the Dec. 21 meeting.

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