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Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Wellsburg May Allow Drilling in City Limits - State Journal - STATEJOURNAL.com

WELLSBURG -- After a bit of controversy, it looks like natural gas drilling may take place in and around the city of Wellsburg after all.

On Monday, city leaders explained their change in plans.

Click here to read more about the ban.

Wellsburg originally adopted laws that forbid drilling inside the city limits or within a one mile radius, but Mayor Sue Simonetti said the main reason is money.

She and the city manager are both against drilling within a one mile radius, with the concern that water may later become contaminated.

The change has already gone through its first reading and must go through one more before it can be rescinded. Some had speculated the real reason was Chesapeake Energy’s announcement to take away a grant from Wellsburg Middle School, after the community no longer supported the gas company.

City officials say it had nothing to do with that, rather, they are afraid of an expensive legal challenge.


Wellsburg May Allow Drilling in City Limits - State Journal - STATEJOURNAL.com