Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Updated: Public hearing on Fort Worth gas drilling recommendations to take place Nov. 20

By Pegasus News wire

Updated 01:37 p.m., November 26, 2008

Update: From the city: "Final comments on the proposed gas drilling ordinance revisions will be heard at a public hearing during the council’s regular meeting Dec. 2, with consideration of the amendments set for its Dec. 9 meeting. Both meetings begin at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 1000 Throckmorton St."

After months of study and with direction provided by the City Council, Fort Worth’s Gas Drilling Task Force and city staff are recommending several revisions to the current ordinance governing gas drilling.

The recommendations were presented to the City Council during a special workshop last week. Residents will have an opportunity to learn more about them and provide comment during a public hearing scheduled for Nov. 20. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the Botanic Garden Center, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd.

Recommendations address:

• protected use definitions
• noise
• compressors
• setbacks
• gas well pad site permits
• gas drilling review committee
• gas well classifications
• landscaping
• fresh water fracturing pits
• reduced-emission completion
• gas well site management and remediation
• gas pipeline
• saltwater pipelines

Final comments on the proposed gas drilling ordinance revisions will be heard at a public hearing during the council’s regular meeting Dec. 2, with consideration of the amendments set for it’s Dec. 9 meeting. Both meetings begin at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 1000 Throckmorton St.

The Gas Drilling Task Force was created earlier this year to consider issues such as noise, setbacks and environmental impacts, as well as to study new industry technology. The 18-member task force, comprised of community members, business leaders and industry representatives, met more than 20 times, conducted three public hearings and two joint workshops with the City Council to arrive at a set of recommendations.

In addition, initiatives to better regulate and monitor the industry at a state level are being pursued by city staff at the request of the City Council. This week’s City Page story focuses on the proposed revisions to the gas well ordinance affecting noise, setbacks and the permitting process.

Next week’s City Page, will include information on proposed revisions to the ordinance regarding gas well classifications, landscaping and fresh water fracturing pits. It also will address the council’s request to city staff to address reduced-emission completion of gas wells, gas well site management and remediation, and gas and salt water pipelines.

Protected Use Definitions

The City Council is considering recommendations to better define the types of “protected use” buildings that require a 600-foot setback for wells unless consent is obtained from the property owner or the City Council. A protected use is defined as a residence, religious institution, public building, hospital, school or public park. Clarification of the following protected uses are proposed:

• “residences” expanded to include assisted living facilities, nursing homes, residential board and care facilities, group homes, halfway houses and shelters in addition to single-family homes, mobile homes, apartments and duplexes
• “hospitals” to include all buildings used or designed for use as a medical, surgical, psychiatric, nursing or custodial care on a 24-hour basis
• “public parks” to include only recreation areas that have been dedicated to the city

A recommendation to better define “public buildings” is still under discussion.

Noise

The City Council is considering several recommendations to reduce and limit the level of noise associated with drilling activity. They are:

• a noise management plan with each permit application
• new regulations for pure tones and low-frequency pitch
• a 72-hour pre-drilling ambient nose level test to determine pre-drilling noise levels
• prohibition on fracturing at night with flowback limited to three decibels above the established ambient noise level
• immediate citations for violations unless the operator is in compliance with its submitted noise mitigation plan
• prohibition on all activity on Sundays, except for mobilization, demobilization or advance of a gas well bore hole

Compressors

Compressors are part of the pipeline system that deliver gas to market. Lift compressors are sometimes necessary on gas well sites to lift gas from the well, while line compressors push the gas down the line and are often more permanent equipment. The city is considering new standards for:

• maximum noise levels by zoning district
• setbacks, fencing, secondary containment and landscaping regulation for all line and lift compressors
• a 600-foot setback from protected uses for line compressors
• a 150-foot setback for compressor equipment and storage tanks from the property line of any protected use or occupied building
• a six-month limit for increased noise allowances for lift compressors
• permanent sound structures for all compressors in place for more than six months

Setbacks

Stricter setback guidelines for gas wells and equipment also are recommended they include requiring: location of facilities, gas well equipment and tank batteries to be at least 200 feet from protected uses, measurement of the required distance between a well and a school be taken from the school property line instead of the school building and construction of any new building to be at least 200 feet from any existing well.

Gas Drilling Review Committee

The task force proposes the creation of a gas drilling review committee to evaluate gas well and pad site applications within 600 feet of a protected use, applications for pipelines in private residential areas and gas wells that will be accessed via non commercial truck routes. It is suggested that the committee, comprised of city staff and a park board member when parkland is affected, convene monthly and conduct public meetings to give residents an opportunity to comment on applications. Staff would consider public comment prior to issuing permits or prepare a report for the City Council for cases that it will be required to consider.

Gas Well Pad Site Permit

City staff recommends continuing the current process that allows protected use property owners within 600 feet of a well to consent to drilling. However, the City Council is considering requiring a multiple well permit to drill additional wells on existing pad sits that already have a well. Because the 600-foot radius will be measured from the boundary of the pad site rather than the wellbore, the permit could require consent from more protected-use property owners.

Source: The City of Fort Worth

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• Environmental Issues > Barnett Shale
• Politics and Government > City Government > Fort Worth

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