SUBJECT: Consent Agenda
Title
A Resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Town of Erie Adopting a Policy Statement on Oil and Gas Development
Body
DEPARTMENT: Administration
PRESENTER: Farrell Buller, Deputy Town Administrator
FISCAL INFORMATION: N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Approve resolution to adopt the Erie Board of Trustees’ Policy on Oil and Gas Development
End
SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND OF SUBJECT MATTER:
At the August 20, 2019 Board of Trustees study session, and in response to the Board’s previous direction, staff shared with the Board a draft policy statement on oil and gas development. Staff asked the Board to comment on two specific questions: does this initial draft policy statement reflect the Board’s desires, and does the Board want the policy to be incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan or just used as a statement of the Board to be posted on the Town’s website and used in other communications.
In response to staff’s questions, most Trustees stated they wanted a shorter, more concise policy statement, and they wanted to incorporate the policy into the Town’s Comprehensive Plan.
Staff then presented a revised policy statement at the September 10, 2019 meeting, which the Board then discussed. From this discussion the following policy emerged:
Town of Erie Board of Trustees’ Policy Statement on Oil and Gas Development
The Town of Erie Board of Trustees is committed to protecting the health, safety and welfare of Town residents, visitors and the environment. Oil and gas development and operations are by their nature an industrial activity that causes noise, emissions, traffic, vibrations, visual and other environmental impacts. The Town will use its regulatory powers and the latest technology to ensure oil and gas operators are using all measures possible to prevent and mitigate those impacts. The Town will also work with experts to diminish the adverse impacts of oil and gas development and operations in Erie, inform the public of those potential impacts, and take appropriate enforcement action.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
Policy Statement on Oil and Gas Development