TITLE
Update on the temporary moratorium on oil and gas development activities within Chatham County adopted in August 2015 and vote on a request to schedule a public hearing on July 17, 2017 to consider an extension of the temporary moratorium on oil and gas development in the county.
ABSTRACT
Action Requested:
Update on the temporary moratorium on oil and gas development activities within Chatham County adopted in August 2015.
Introduction & Background:
In August 2015, the Board of Commissioners adopted an ordinance instituting a temporary moratorium on oil and gas development activities within Chatham County. Section 7 of the moratorium includes two tasks to be completed during the moratorium.
Discussion & Analysis:
The moratorium expiration is 24 months from the adoption date, which is August 2017. The two tasks listed under section 7 are as follows:
a) Studies: The Board of Commissioners will hire a consultant or consultants with expertise regarding fracking and other oil and gas development activities and their impacts on the natural, man-made, and social environments and its economic benefits and costs. The consultant(s) will be tasked to study Chatham County and to analyze state and federal regulatory programs and to prepare a report for the Board regarding the full range of expected impacts on Chatham County, including financial impacts. The study will include the most current analysis of impacts in localities similar to Chatham County in other states and the effectiveness of local ordinances in managing these impacts. This study and report should be completed within the first year of the moratorium and will include the consultant's conclusions as to whether additional time is needed for thorough study.
b) Development of Conditional Use Ordinance: Upon completion of the study and report. The Board intends to develop a draft conditional use ordinance and/or other ordinances based on the report and the consultant's advice which will be coordinated wi...
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