Arlington council rejects one gas drilling site near Cowboys Stadium Read more: http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/06/23/2285436/arlington-council-rej

BY ROBERT CADWALLADER - Special to the Star-Telegram - June 23, 2010
ARLINGTON -- The City Council on Tuesday rejected a drilling site near Cowboys Stadium and the city's entertainment district, siding with neighbors who complained that it was uncomfortably close to homes, schools and medical facilities.
The action came hours after the council discussed proposed ordinance revisions that could increase restrictions and costs on drilling projects in Arlington.
The specific use permit for what is known as the Ross Trails drilling site near the 1100 block of North Center Street failed without a vote after Councilman Mel LeBlanc's motion to approve did not get a second.
More than a dozen residents who showed up to oppose the permit applauded, and several were in tears as they left the building. Despite a Planning and Zoning Commission recommendation against the permit, the residents said they were convinced that the council would approve it.
"We were just hoping for a continuance so we would have more time to gather more people," said Paula Koontz. "But this is amazing."
The site was one of two in the vicinity of Cowboys Stadium under council consideration.
The second one -- the Truman Street drilling site near East Division and North Collins streets -- received its second and final council vote of approval at the same meeting. Next, the Truman Street project needs a drilling permit.
Safety concerns
Critics have contended that the projects could jeopardize the city's effort to fully develop its entertainment district, but the eight opponents who addressed the council focused on potential dangers.
Several cited instances of gas explosions around the country, although the industry in Dallas-Fort Worth has an extremely good safety record.
Opponents are also concerned about air pollutants from gas operations.
LeBlanc supported Chesapeake Energy's permit request and defended the industry, saying recent air-quality tests "have all come back negative in this area."
"I understand your fears and your concerns about safety," LeBlanc said in response to Koontz's remarks to the council. "I just want to set the record straight, that there has been a tremendously positive safety record in the Barnett Shale. There have been no explosions."
Koontz responded, "All I can say is you can buy my house and live in it and have that behind you."
Tougher ordinance
In a work session earlier Tuesday, Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman Victor Vandergriff outlined the commission's research on toughening the city's drilling ordinance. Council members said they would schedule a special meeting later in the summer to get into the details of the presentation.
The commission, while not making specific recommendations itself, has worked since February to compile suggestions by the city staff, gas companies and residents on ways the city can minimize the nuisances and costs of gas drilling while reaping the financial benefits of it.
Vandergriff's report noted the city has received $70 million in bonus money and royalties and $1.25 million in tax revenue from gas exploration since 2006.
The commission now will start work on "Round 2" of its study, which will go beyond land use and look at pipeline routes, noise, seismic activity, air quality and other issues.
Among the potential changes are raising the road-damage fee to cover the cost of repairs; making it more difficult to drill within 600 feet of homes, churches and schools; and expanding the number of residents that must be notified when the city considers a permit.


Read more in the Fort Worth Star Telegram