From
Cindy Mendez
Title
Ordinance extending the Gas Drilling Moratorium for one year
Presenter
James R. Cummings, Environmental Services Director
Recommended Action
Approve
Analysis
On September 6, 2011, the City Council originally approved a six month moratorium on gas drilling and fracturing operations within 3,000 feet of the Joe Pool dam after the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) shared concerns with potential negative impacts to the dam and other water retention structures. The USACE is currently studying the potential impact of gas drilling operations on the Joe Pool dam. The moratorium has been extended three times by the City Council (January 17, 2012, February 5, 2013, and September 3, 2013), The existing moratorium will expire on October 1, 2014. At this time, the study is under external, independent review according to USACE staff in August 2014. Staff recommends that the moratorium be extended until October 1, 2015 to allow time for the USACE to complete and release the study.
Financial Consideration
Not Applicable
Body
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 9580-2013 PROVIDING FOR A ONE YEAR EXTENSION OF THE MORATORIUM ON THE CONDUCTING OF NATURAL GAS DRILLING AND FRACTURING ACTIVITIES WITHIN 3,000 FEET OF ANY DAMS AND OTHER WATER RETENTION STRUCTURES OWNED AND/OR OPERATED BY THE UNITED STATES ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR A REPEALER CLAUSE; AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE THEREOF
WHEREAS, the City of Grand Prairie ("City") was informed that the United States Army Corps of Engineers(USACE) has concerns as to whether gas exploration activities have the potential to negatively impact USACE dams and other water retention structures; and
WHEREAS, the USACE has informed the City that the study to determine the effects of gas exploration activities on dams and other water retention studies is still under internal and external r...
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