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Position on Drilling in Deep Creek Watershed
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October 11, 2014
Folks,
Your POA board has voted to oppose vertical drilling for Marcellus Shale gas within the boundaries of the Deep Creek Watershed as defined by the map included in the Deep Creek Watershed Zoning Ordinance.
As you know, the POA Marcellus Shale Committee has tracked developments and considered potential impacts on member interests for some time. John Quilty chaired the POA committee, assisted by Tom Craven, Morgan France, Chris Nichols, Pete Versteegen, and Smiley Kessler. He also chairs the Garrett County Shale Gas Advisory Committee (SGAC) that has been exploring related issues.
The results of the work of the POA committee were submitted to the POA board in the form of a Position Letter and a Position Paper. The POA board has given overwhelming approval to these documents and they were forwarded to the Garrett County Commissioners on October 9, 2014.
The Position Letter summarizes the POA position and encourages the Commissioners to amend the Deep Creek Watershed Zoning Ordinance to prohibit vertical drilling and associated surface infrastructure within the Watershed. The Position Paper gives a detailed explanation of the drilling issues and presents a clear rationale for the POA's opposition.
As a reminder, the next POA board meeting will be held on Saturday October 25, 2014, and all paid POA members are welcome to attend. Please contact me in advance should you plan to attend to insure there is sufficient seating available.
Cheers,
Bob Hoffmann
President
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