Gas drilling still hot issue to Lehman Twp. residents

CAMILLE FIOTI Times Leader Correspondent

LEHMAN TWP. – Residents from both sides of the gas drilling issue packed the board of supervisors meeting Monday.

Last month, the board denied a request from the Gas Drilling Awareness Coalition, a local grassroots organization opposed to drilling in the township and surrounding communities, to advertise an ordinance it had drafted to ban any corporation from drilling in the township or extracting water for drilling in the township.

Supervisor Dave Sutton said the proposal, dubbed “Lehman Community Water Rights and Local Self-Government Ordinance,” contains provisions that are in direct violation with the municipal planning code and would be challenged in the courts if adopted.

Many residents asked the board why they weren’t allowed to discuss the gas drilling issue for longer periods of time.

Supervisor Ray Iwanoski pointed out that more than seven and a half hours had been devoted to discussing the issue at the last several meetings, including an hour and a half at Monday’s meeting.

“I think it’s healthy to have an open discussion,” said resident Jack Hanish. “I’m not against drilling, but I’m for a moratorium and getting the rules and regulations in place.”

Hanish said he has read the proposed ordinance and admitted it is “far from perfect” but suggested it could be modified to suit the needs of the township.

Resident Tony Rutchauskas told the board he has witnessed numerous trucks from the gas companies in the area taking different routes other than the roads that are on the approved traffic plan. Sutton told Rutchauskas and the other residents to report and violations in the traffic plan as soon as they witness them.

“If you see something going on, let us know and we’ll nip it in the bud,” Supervisor Doug Ide said. He said residents can call him at (570) 899-1060 if there is no answer at the township building.

In other matters,

• The board passed the first reading of the 2011 budget. There will be no tax increases in the $2,122,379 spending plan. The board plans to adopt the budget Dec. 20.