Council shall hear and decide requests for conditional uses
in accordance with the provisions of this article. However, it shall
not approve a conditional use unless and until:
A. A written application for development for a conditional use is submitted
to the office of the Zoning Officer no less than 18 working days prior
to the regular monthly meeting of the Planning Commission. The application
shall indicate the section of this article under which the conditional
use is sought and shall state the grounds upon which it is requested.
In addition, the application for a conditional use shall include the
following:
(1)
Five copies of a conditional use site plan; an assessment of
the impact of the proposed development on the natural environment
(geology, topography, soils, hydrology, vegetation, wildlife, air
quality) and cultural environment (lot use, utilities, population,
economics, services, historic assets); and a landscaping plan.
B. The required fees are paid.
C. Applicable Borough reviews and recommendations are completed in accordance
with the requirements of Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code
Section 913.2.
Conditional use approval shall expire automatically without
written notice to the applicant if no application for subdivision,
zoning approval for occupancy and use or a grading or building permit
to undertake the work described in the conditional use approval has
been submitted within 12 months of said approval, unless Council,
in its sole discretion, extends the conditional use approval upon
written request of the applicant received prior to its expiration.
The maximum extension permitted shall be one twelve-month extension.
Council shall consider whether proposed modifications in any
of the requirements of this chapter for each zoning district contained
in an application for development for a conditional use will make
for a more efficient, attractive and harmonious conditional use. If
such modifications, in the judgment of Council, constitute a more
beneficial use of the site than provided for under the requirements
of the zoning district in which the site of the conditional use is
located, Council, in its sole discretion, may grant the modifications
for less strict requirements. However, no modification shall be granted
for the following:
A. Density for the conditional use shall not exceed that density permitted
in the zoning district in which the conditional use site is located.
B. All common areas shall be reserved as permanent open space, except
where structures are required to fulfill the educational, cultural,
recreational or civic pursuits of the residents of the conditional
use.
C. Conditional uses shall be limited to those specified for the given zoning district in Article
III.
Council shall grant a conditional use only if it finds adequate
evidence that any proposed development will meet all of the following
general requirements as well as any specific requirements and standards
set forth for a particular use listed under this article.
A. Council shall, among other things, require that any proposed use
and location be:
(1)
Consistent with the spirit, purposes and the intent of this
chapter.
(2)
In the best interest of Oakmont, the convenience of the community,
the public welfare and be a substantial improvement to the property
in the immediate vicinity.
(3)
Suitable for the property in question and designed, constructed,
operated and maintained so as to be in harmony with and appropriate
in appearance to the existing or intended character of the general
vicinity.
(4)
In conformance with all applicable requirements of this chapter, including but not limited to all of the provisions of Articles
III and
X and all Oakmont ordinances.
B. The conditional use shall not involve any element or cause any condition that may be dangerous, injurious or noxious to any other property or persons and shall comply with the performance standards in Article
XI herein.
C. The conditional use shall organize vehicular access and parking to
minimize traffic congestion. Council shall not approve a use in areas
where a traffic engineering study prepared by registered engineer
specially certified in traffic planning or engineering indicates that
a proposed use or structure will burden existing traffic so as to
enhance the danger and congestion in travel and transportation and
increase the number of accidents unless the owner or applicant agrees
to provide such traffic improvements as determined by the study.
D. The landowner and/or developer shall have the burden of providing
evidence to Oakmont of compliance with the general requirements of
this section and the specific requirements of this article.
E. The Borough Planning Commission and/or Council may attach additional
conditions pursuant to this section, in order to protect the public's
health, safety, and welfare. These conditions may include but are
not limited to increased setbacks.
F. For a conditional use in the Commercial District the Borough Planning Commission and/or Council may permit on-street parking to count for parking requirements if the landowner and/or developer supports, through the traffic study as provided in §
205-405C above, that such allowance will not create traffic congestion and/or parking concerns and shows that all on-street parking requirements found in Article
VIII of this chapter are met.
[Added 3-20-2023 by Ord.
No. O1-2023]
A delivery plan for the use shall be submitted for Council approval.
A delivery plan for the use shall be submitted for Council approval.
An access analysis shall be conducted in order to evaluate sight
distance and to identify appropriate lot access points. Special traffic
signage control and lighting may need to be provided pending the results
of said access analysis.
[Amended 2-18-2019 by Ord. No. O4-2019]
A. Oil and gas wells shall be permitted to occur on a property whose
overall acreage is a minimum of 10 acres or larger ("property"). Multiple
property owners can combine adjoining parcels to achieve the minimum
acreage required.
B. Conventional oil/gas wells currently exist in Borough parks which are located within residentially zoned districts, and in order to permit the Borough to continue its practice of allowing conventional oil/gas wells in Borough parks, the Borough hereby exempts itself from the zoning prohibition on conventional oil/gas wells in Residential Districts R-1, R-2 and R-3. The Borough further exempts itself from the conventional oil/gas well setback requirements of §
205-443D, with respect to any Borough-owned property where an oil/gas well already exists at the time of enactment of this section. A conventional oil/gas well on such Borough-owned property shall be no closer to a protected structure on a neighboring residentially zoned lot than the existing well, or 200 feet, whichever is less. To drill on such Borough-owned property, the Borough shall comply with the conditional use requirements otherwise applicable to such wells.
C. Conversion or modification of well use.
(1)
Conversion of existing, operational, abandoned or otherwise,
oil and gas wells for injection wells shall be subject to the conditional
use application and approvals for unconventional oil and gas wells
adopted by this section.
(2)
Reworking or redevelopment of existing, operational, abandoned
or otherwise, conventional oil or gas wells to utilize HVHF or horizontal
drilling shall be subject to conditional use application and approval
for unconventional gas wells and shall be treated as unconventional
gas wells by this section.
D. Oil and gas wells shall be located with minimum setbacks as follows:
(1)
Minimum setback distances of well from protected structures:
(a)
Conventional oil/gas wells: 200 feet.
(b)
Unconventional oil/gas wells: 500 feet.
(2)
Minimum setback distances of well from any lot or parcel of
ground located in an R-1, R-2 or R-3 District, regardless of whether
it contains a protected structure, a school, residence, nursing home,
day-care home, day-care center, nursery school/preschool, or wetland:
(a)
Conventional oil/gas wells: 200 feet.
(b)
Unconventional oil/gas wells: 2,000 feet.
(3)
Minimum setback distances from any existing water well, surface
water intake, reservoir or other water supply extraction point used
by the Oakmont Water Authority or other owner or operator of a "water
purveyor" as defined in Title 58 (Oil and Gas) of the Pennsylvania
Consolidated Statutes, Section 3203:
(a)
Conventional oil/gas wells: 400 feet.
(b)
Unconventional oil/gas wells: 1,000 feet.
(4)
Minimum setbacks of well site from the Allegheny River and Plum
Creek:
(a)
Conventional oil/gas well site: 100 feet from the Allegheny
River or Plum Creek;
(b)
Unconventional oil/gas well bore: 300 feet from the Allegheny
River;
(c)
Unconventional oil/gas - edge of the well site: 100 feet from
the Allegheny River;
(d)
Unconventional oil/gas well site disturbed area: 100 feet from
the Allegheny River.
E. The conditional use application shall not be considered to be complete
and properly filed unless and until all items required by this subsection,
including the application fee, have been received. The conditional
use application shall include the following:
(1)
Evidence of ownership and/or legal authority to occupy and utilize
the surface property for oil and gas well development;
(2)
A proposed site development plan as described more fully herein;
(3)
A plan describing the route and method for other truck traffic
as described more fully herein;
(4)
A lighting plan, demonstrating maximum feasible reduction of
glare onto adjacent properties, that meets or exceeds Borough adopted
performance standards relative to lighting and glare;
(5)
A plan for fresh water usage and impoundment as well as wastewater
impoundment and disposal, identifying the source and amount of water
to be used at or withdrawn from the well site, the proposed method
of transport, treatment and/or disposal of wastewater, including truck
routes or pipeline routes, and the destination of any water to be
tested or disposed of;
(6)
A timetable for commencing and ending site preparation, drilling,
hydraulic fracturing activities, oil and gas production, site restoration
and well plugging;
(7)
A ten-year master plan for oil and gas development in Oakmont
Borough and adjacent communities within a twenty-air-mile radius.
Such ten-year master plan shall describe and plot all well-pads, transmission
lines, compression stations, processing plants, storage facilities,
transportation facilities and other related infrastructure built,
planned and anticipated by applicant or related third parties of applicant
and intended to serve the oil and gas well that is the subject of
the application;
(8)
Plans for grading, revegetation, landscaping, buffer areas,
stormwater control and other restoration activities at well site that
meets or exceeds Borough adopted performance standards relative to
each;
(9)
An environmental impact statement to be performed by a Borough-approved
third party and paid for by the applicant, which shall include the
following:
(a)
A description of existing conditions relative to flora, fauna,
air quality, groundwater locations and qualities, and notable geological
features in the area of the property;
(b)
A description of existing conditions, including oil and gas
well facilities, structures, buildings or equipment.
(c)
A historical record of previous oil and gas well operations
of the property;
(d)
A description of the proposed oil and gas well operations, and
associated facilities on the property;
(e)
An assessment of the proposed oil and gas well operations on
the property, abutting properties and surrounding uses;
(f)
An assessment of the proposed oil and gas well operations on
the property relative to flora, fauna, air quality, groundwater locations
and qualities, and notable geological features in the area of the
property; and
(g)
Anticipated or projected impacts of the oil and gas well at
the time of installation, at one year post installation, at full production,
at 10 years post installation and following the cessation of operations
at the property.
(10)
A copy of any permit and/or permit application issued by or
submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
("DEP") in connection with the oil and gas well development on the
property;
(11)
Copies of any other permit and/or permit application required
by law for operation of the property for oil and gas well development
on the property;
(12)
A plan identifying the means for disposal of cuttings, fracturing
fluids, oil, toxic materials, hazardous materials and other waste
products and providing for Borough access to any waste manifest for
emergency management, police and firesafety purposes;
(13)
An odor control plan which shall demonstrate technology and
controls that shall be provided to eliminate odors if perceptible
on nearby occupied properties during the drilling and fracturing process;
(14)
Reports from a qualified environmental engineer attesting that the proposed location and operation will not negatively impact the Borough residents' environmental rights and will include air modeling and hydrogeological studies as potential pathways that a spill or release of fluid may follow. These reports will be evaluated consistent with Subsection
W;
(15)
Such other information pertinent to the proposed oil and gas
well as may be requested by the Borough Engineer or Zoning Officer;
(16)
Copy of all annual Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) Form
10-K filings for the last three years relating to applicant and contracted
or related partners for oil and gas well development of the property.
F. Public rights-of-way.
(1)
The applicant shall show the proposed routes of all trucks to
be utilized for hauling to and from the oil and gas well site and
the estimated weights of those trucks. Proposed routes shall be designed
to minimize the impact on streets within the Borough. The Borough
reserves the right to designate alternate routes in the event that
the applicant's proposed routes are deemed inadequate, unsafe or overly
disruptive to normal vehicular traffic by the Borough Engineer.
(2)
The applicant shall show evidence of compliance with designated
weight limits on Borough streets, unless a bond and an excess maintenance
agreement to assure road damage repair is provided, and shall design
the hauling routes to minimize the use of an impact upon Borough streets
wherever feasible.
(3)
The applicant shall also show evidence satisfactory to the Borough
Engineer that intersections along proposed hauling routes provide
a sufficient turning radius for trucks to be utilized for hauling,
such that all turns can be safely made without damage to vehicles,
sidewalks or curbs.
(4)
The applicant or oil gas operator shall post a bond or other
financial security in favor of the Borough and in a form acceptable
to the Borough prior to beginning operations to guarantee maintenance
and repair during construction/drilling/fracturing and post-operation
restoration of Borough streets which may be determined in the reasonable
opinion of the Borough Engineer to be damaged as a result of traffic
generated by oil and gas well use generated traffic. In addition,
if the Borough Engineer concludes that Gas and Oil Well generated
traffic will cause substantial damage to a Borough road, then the
applicant must, before operations begin, enter into an agreement with
the Borough undertaking the responsibility to repair the road to the
extent determined in the reasonable discretion of the Borough Engineer,
which agreement may provide for bond to be posted in excess of otherwise
applicable PennDOT limits when the Borough Engineer has reasonably
estimated that the cost of repair will exceed the PennDOT limits.
(5)
In addition, should the Borough Engineer reasonably determine
that preventive measures, such as shoring of bridges or putting protective
mats over utility lines, should be taken to prevent damage to Borough
roads, bridges or utilities, then the applicant shall install such
protective measures as directed by the Borough Engineer, prior to
beginning operations.
(6)
The oil/gas operator shall take all necessary steps to ensure
that public roads remain free of dirt, mud or debris resulting from
Gas and Oil Well traffic or activities, including road sweeping and
tire/wheel well/undercarraige washing if needed.
(7)
Where traffic generated by the oil and gas well is heavy in
the proximity of school bus stops or well-traveled pedestrian crossing
areas, the oil/gas operator will provide flagperson to ensure the
safety of children waiting for or leaving school buses. The oil/gas
operator shall not schedule or permit truck traffic to or from the
well site during those times regularly scheduled by the school district
for school bus transport of children.
(8)
Applicant shall be responsible for all studies, professional
fees and costs associated with the establishment of any excess road
maintenance agreements and weight restriction postings and signage.
G. Construction hours of operation. Prior to the commencement of oil
and gas well drilling activities, no construction activities involving
excavation of, alteration to or repair work on any access road to
an oil and gas well site shall be performed during the hours of 9:00
p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
H. Noise. The Borough recognizes and acknowledges that oil and gas use
is accompanied by inherent noise. The regulations in this subsection
are intended and shall be interpreted and applied to establish a process
for reasonable noise control, provides for response to individual
complaints, and requires that undue noise be addressed, where feasible,
without the Borough dictating the particular operational steps that
must be taken. The oil/gas operator shall take the following steps
to minimize, to the extent practicable, the noise resulting from the
oil and gas well use:
(1)
Prior to drilling of an oil and gas well, the oil/gas operator
shall establish a continuous seventy-two-hour ambient noise level
at the nearest protected structure property line or 100 feet from
the nearest protected structure (as measured to the closest exterior
point of the building), whichever is closer to the protected structure
or, alternatively, and in lieu of establishing the above seventy-two-hour
ambient noise level, the oil/gas operator may assume and use, for
the purposes of compliance with this section, a default ambient noise
level of 55 dBA. The sound level meter used in conducting any evaluation
shall meet the American National Standards Institute standard for
sound meters or an instrument and the associated recording and analyzing
equipment which will provide equivalent data.
(2)
The oil/gas operator shall provide documentation of any established,
seventy-two-hour evaluation, relied upon to establish an ambient noise
level greater than 55 dBA, to the Borough's Zoning Officer within
three business days of such a request from the Zoning Officer.
(3)
Noise limits.
(a)
The noise generated during drilling and hydraulic fracturing
activities when measured at the nearest protected structure property
line or 100 feet from the nearest protected structure (as measured
to the closest exterior point of the building), whichever is closer
to the protected structure, shall not exceed the average ambient noise
level (as determined by the seventy-two-hour evaluation) or default
level, whichever is higher:
[1]
During drilling activities, by more than seven decibels during
the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.;
[2]
During drilling activities, by more than five decibels during
the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m.; or
[3]
By more than 10 decibels during hydraulic fracturing operations.
(b)
The oil/gas operator shall inform the Borough in writing of
which level (average ambient noise level or default level) is being
used.
(4)
The oil/gas operator shall provide for ongoing regular noise
level monitoring at a station to be located at or near the nearest
protected structure property line or 100 feet from the nearest protected
structure (as measured to the closest exterior point of the building),
whichever is closer to the protected structure. The noise monitoring
data acquired at this station shall be made available to the Borough
upon request.
(5)
Adjustments to the foregoing noise limits may be permitted in
accordance with the following:
Permitted Increase
(dBA)
|
Duration of Increase
(minutes)*
|
---|
5
|
15
|
10
|
5
|
15
|
1
|
20
|
1
|
*
|
Cumulative minutes during any one hour.
|
(6)
If a complaint is received by the Borough from any owner or
occupant of a protected structure for any lawful purpose, within 2,000
feet from the wellhead or equipment generating noise during gas and/or
oil well production, drilling or hydraulic fracturing activities,
the oil/gas operator shall, within 24 hours of receipt of the complaint
from the Borough, continuously monitor for a forty-eight-hour period
at a point which is the closer the complainant's building of:
(a)
The complainant's protected structure property line nearest
to the well site or equipment generating the noise; or
(b)
One hundred feet from the protected structure.
(7)
Once the monitoring is complete, oil/gas operator will provide
the monitoring data to the Borough within two business days and will
meet with Borough representatives and affected property owners and
will within one week of the meeting submit a noise abatement plan
to effectively mitigate any noise exceeding the permitted levels.
In determining the noise mitigation measures to be employed, the Borough
may, at the expense of the oil/gas operator, utilize the services
of a consultant with expertise in noise measurement, noise abatement
and gas and oil well drilling and operation.
(8)
Exhaust from any internal combustion engine or compressor used
in connection with the drilling of any well or for use on any production
equipment or used in development shall not be discharged into the
open air unless it is equipped with an exhaust muffler or an exhaust
box. The exhaust muffler or exhaust box shall be constructed of noncombustible
materials designed and installed to suppress noise and disruptive
vibrations. Moreover, all such equipment with an exhaust muffler or
exhaust box shall be maintained in good operating condition according
to manufacturer's specifications.
(9)
All workover operations shall be restricted to the hours of
6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., except as necessary, as reasonably determined
by the oil/gas operator. "Workover operations" shall mean work performed
in a well after its completion in an effort to secure production where
there has been none, restore production that has ceased, or increase
production.
(10)
In cases where noise has exceed permitted levels and it is economically
feasible for gas and oil well drilling rigs to be outfitted with acoustic
barrier insulation blankets, such barriers shall be installed in accordance
with best management practices in the industry; provided, however,
that no such acoustic barrier shall be required where its use would
be contrary to a preempted applicable state or federal regulation,
or where its use would create a safety hazard in the opinion of the
Borough Engineer or of any regulatory agency with jurisdiction.
I. Parking. Notwithstanding any other provision in this section, the
oil/gas operator shall provide sufficient parking to allow all vehicles
associated with the oil and gas well operation to be parked off street.
Parking areas within 200 feet of an occupied building not associated
with the gas and oil well operation shall provide a slag or stone
or other surface designed to minimize dust or, alternatively, dust
reduction measures such as water sprinkling whenever necessary.
J. Emergency management. The oil/gas operator shall, prior to drilling
and at least once per year thereafter, provide an opportunity for
Borough emergency services providers to arrange visits to the well
site for the purpose of being oriented to the location, equipment,
materials used at and layout of the site. Such orientation visits
shall be mutually arranged between the operator and the chief officer
of any given emergency provider service.
(1)
The oil/gas operator shall provide appropriate maps, material
data safety sheets, and emergency plan documents to such chief officers
and to the Borough Manager, including a copy of a current preparedness,
prevention and contingency plan ("PPC") as defined by the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection. This information shall be
kept up to date at all times.
(2)
The oil/gas operator shall provide 24/7 emergency contact information,
including a supervisor's name and a toll-free phone number, to all
Borough emergency service providers and to the Borough Manager, as
well as on signage at the well site. A list of contact information
for all subcontractors associated with the operations shall be provided
to the Borough Manager along with verification that the subcontractors
and the named supervisor are aware of and understand this section.
K. Property security. The oil/gas operator shall:
(1)
Install both temporary safety and security fencing at least
six feet high around water impoundments, drilling, fracturing and
hydraulic equipment and install permanent fall protection fencing
meeting OSHA requirements around any permanent pit for impoundment
of liquid at a depth greater than two feet. Security glass shall be
provided to the Chief of Police for review;
(2)
Install warning signs at the well site; and
(3)
Provide at least one on-site security guard 24/7 when a drilling
rig or hydraulic fracturing equipment is on the well site.
L. Site plan. Each application for a conditional use under this section
shall have attached thereto a site plan. The site plan shall be provided
both in hard copy and electronically in a format prescribed by the
Borough Engineer. The proposed site development plan shall be a stamped
topographic plan, prepared by a professional engineer registered in
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, to a scale no greater than one inch
equals 200 feet, on a standard sheet size of 24 inches high by 36
inches wide, to include the following:
(1)
Title block giving name of development, property owner, developer,
North point, key location map, registration stamp, date and scale
on a standard sheet size of 24 inches high by 36 inches wide with
index;
(2)
Property lines, zoning ordinance district boundary lines and
total acreage of parcel proposed for development;
(3)
All existing streets, rights-of-way, and easements related to
the development and any acreage leased in connection with the proposed
well;
(4)
Owners of adjacent properties, including the location of any
existing structures and driveway locations;
(5)
The location of relevant natural features on site, including,
but not limited to, streams or other natural watercourses and adjacent
areas which are subject to flooding, and significant stands of existing
trees;
(6)
The location of relevant natural features abutting properties
within 300 feet, including, but not limited to, streams or other natural
watercourses and adjacent areas which are subject to flooding, and
significant stands of existing trees;
(7)
The setback of any proposed well bore, well site and any disturbed
area associated with the well site, from the following located within
1,000 feet of the well site:
(b)
Any lot located in the R-1, R-2 or R-3 District;
(c)
Any water well, surface water intake, reservoir or other water
supply extraction point used by the Oakmont Water Authority or other
water purveyor; and
(d)
The Allegheny River, Plum Creek or any other solid blue lined
stream, spring or body of water as identified on the most current
7 1/2 minute topographic quadrangle map of the United States
Geological Survey.
(8)
The location of all gas and oil well structures, facilities,
equipment or buildings, existing or proposed within 2,000 feet of
the well site;
(9)
The location of existing structures, buildings and accessory
uses on site;
(10)
The location of vehicle and equipment cleaning and tire cleaning
areas and a description of the proposed program for removing mud and
other well site generated debris from public streets;
(11)
The location of proposed access roads;
(12)
The location of stormwater and sediment controls or any fresh
water and wastewater impoundment facilities;
(13)
The location, depth and profile of any proposed pipelines for
water, gas, oil or other substance;
(14)
The location, depth and profile of any existing or proposed
transmission lines within 1,000 feet of the well site.
M. During construction, the oil/gas operator shall remove and dispose
of all uprooted trees, stumps, brush, rubbish, construction materials
and debris promptly in the interest of public safety.
N. No employees, subcontractors or other persons shall be housed on
the well site.
O. The oil/gas operator shall operate and maintain a vapor recovery
unit or vapor destruction unit, or other available and feasible means
to eliminate vapors emitted from any condensation tanks at the well
site.
P. During the time any pond or impoundment contains anything other than
fresh water, such impoundment shall be fully covered with bird netting
and fully comply with all applicable state and federal law.
Q. No on-site burial or other disposal of drilling residuals or hydraulic
fracturing chemicals or residuals is permitted.
R. Upon complaint by the occupants of a nearby property of odors generated
at the well site, the oil/gas operator will meet with the Borough
and the complainant or his/her representative within three days of
receipt of the complaint to establish a feasible and effective way
of controlling any such odors. The oil/gas operator will reimburse
the Borough for the cost of consultants or other investigation needed
to address odor complaints. For the purposes of this subsection, "nearby
properties" shall be properties located within 1,000 feet of the well
site.
S. Air containment emissions, particulate and otherwise, shall be in
compliance with all County Health Department, state and federal regulations.
T. The applicant shall provide certification that a bond or other security
is held by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
to ensure proper plugging when the well is classified as inactive
by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
U. All permits issued by DEP shall be maintained, commencing at site
construction and continuing throughout the duration of drilling and
production testing operations. Any suspension, or revocation of permits
or other penalties by DEP shall be immediately reported to the Borough
and shall constitute a violation of Borough zoning approval and may
result in the suspension of zoning approval.
V. Applicant shall comply with all applicable permits and requirements
of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the United
States Environmental Protection Agency, and any other governmental
authority having jurisdiction over its operations and with all federal,
state and local laws, ordinance and regulations promulgated to protect
the environment, including but not limited to the Clean Air Act, 42
U.S.C. § 7401 et seq., the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1251,
and the Allegheny County Health Department Air Pollution Control Rules
and Regulations, Allegheny County Ordinance No. 16782.
W. Applicant shall demonstrate that its operations will not violate
the citizens of Oakmont Borough's right to clean air and pure water
as set forth in Article 1, Section 27, the Environmental Rights Amendment,
of the Pennsylvania Constitution.
X. Any material stored outside an enclosed structure in connection with
well drilling or operation shall be screened by opaque ornamental
fencing, walls or evergreen planting to minimize visibility of the
storage area from residentially occupied properties.
Y. Applicant shall provide adequate financial security, as determined
by the Borough Engineer, to ensure restoration of the oil and gas
well site once operations cease for 18 months or more. Reapplication
for conditional use/approval is required after discontinuance of operations
of 18 months or more.
Z. Conditional use approval shall automatically terminate, unless extended,
if drilling is not commenced within one year from the date of issuance
of the conditional use. The conditional use approval may be extended
by the Borough Zoning Officer upon written request by the oil/gas
operator, after notice and public hearing, if the applicant shows
good cause for not commencing drilling within one year from issuance
of the conditional use.
AA. The application shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable application
fee of $5,000 or such other amount as may be set by resolution of
the Borough Council from time to time.
BB. Applicant shall separately be responsible for any other professional
review fees or costs incurred by the Borough in connection with its
review of the conditional use application or its component parts,
which may be required to be escrowed at the Borough's sole election.
CC. Applicant and any subcontractors associated with the development
of the oil and gas well operation shall be required to sign, upon
receiving conditional use approval, a developers agreement, prepared
by the Municipal Solicitor. Such developers agreement shall contain
the conditions of approval as granted by Council and hold all parties
responsible for compliance with those conditions.
[Added 2-18-2019 by Ord.
No. O4-2019]
A. Natural gas compressor stations (station) and natural gas processing
plants (plant) shall be permitted to occur on property whose overall
acreage is a minimum of five acres or larger ("property").
B. The natural gas compressor station or natural gas processing plant
shall maintain a minimum distance from protected structures, as set
forth in the table below.
C. Natural gas compressor stations and natural gas processing plants
shall be located with minimum setbacks from as follows:
(1)
Minimum setback from protected structures: 750 feet;
(2)
Minimum setback from any lot in the R-1, R-2 or R-3 Zoning Districts:
500 feet.
D. The application shall include all items identified under §
205-443E and
L herein, except that information pertaining to natural gas compressor stations and plants and related operations, structures or facilities shall be provided in lieu of information pertaining to gas and oil wells.
E. Applicant shall demonstrate that its operations will not violate
the citizens of Oakmont Borough's right to clean air and pure water
as set forth in Article 1, Section 27, the Environmental Rights Amendment,
of the Pennsylvania Constitution.
F. Compressors shall be located within a completely enclosed building,
with doors, windows and other openings usually remaining closed to
reduce noise heard off site.
G. The design and color of structures and improvements shall be chosen
to be compatible with and blend in with the surrounding area. All
adjacent property zoned "residential" shall be screened by buffer
areas planted on the station or plant site so as to maximize year-round
vegetative screening, or utilizing existing natural vegetation to
achieve a visual screen. The minimum size of evergreen trees planted
in a buffer shall be eight feet and deciduous/shade trees shall be
at least a two-and-one-half-inch caliper diameter at breast height.
All buffer areas shall be continuously maintained and dead plantings
shall be replaced.
H. No outdoor storage of materials or equipment is permitted.
I. The site shall be secured with gates, fencing and security personnel,
and security plans shall be provided to the Chief of Police designated
by the Borough for review. Access to the site shall be limited to
posted times when security personnel are on duty.
J. The minimum distance between any natural gas compressor stations
shall be one mile.
K. The station or plant may not be primarily powered by diesel, oil
or gasoline-fueled generators.
L. The application shall include a proposed site plan containing all of the information required for a site plan submitted for a gas and oil well use application under §
205-443L herein, except that information pertaining to natural gas compressor stations and plants and related operations, structures or facilities shall be provided in lieu of information pertaining to gas and oil wells.
M. Applicant shall, at its sole expense, provide site orientation and
associated training to all Borough emergency services providers before
operation begins and once per year thereafter. An emergency preparedness
plan shall be submitted, prepared by an expert in emergency/hazardous
materials response, which plan shall be reasonably satisfactory to
the Borough Police Chief, the Fire Chief of the fire company closest
to the plant locations and the Borough Emergency Management Coordinator.
N. Noise. The Borough recognizes and acknowledges that compressor stations
and processing plants are accompanied by inherent noise. The regulations
in this Subsection are intended and shall be interpreted and applied
to establish a process for reasonable noise control that provides
for response to individual complaints, and requires that undue noise
be addressed, where feasible, without the Borough dictating the particular
operational steps that must be taken. The oil/gas operator shall take
the following steps to minimize, to the extent practicable, the noise
resulting from the compressor station and processing plant use:
(1)
Prior to operation of a compressor station or processing plant,
the oil/gas operator shall establish a continuous seventy-two-hour
ambient noise level at the nearest protected structure property line
or 100 feet from the nearest protected structure (as measured to the
closest exterior point of the building), whichever is closer to the
protected structure or, alternatively, and in lieu of establishing
the above seventy-two-hour ambient noise level, the oil/gas operator
may assume and use, for the purposes of compliance with this section,
a default ambient noise level of 55 dBA. The sound level meter used
in conducting any evaluation shall meet the American National Standards
Institute standard for sound meters or an instrument and the associated
recording and analyzing equipment which will provide equivalent data.
(2)
The oil/gas operator shall provide documentation of any established,
seventy-two-hour evaluation, relied upon to establish an ambient noise
level greater than 55 dBA, to the Borough's Zoning Officer within
three business days of such a request from the Zoning Officer.
(3)
Noise limits.
(a)
The noise generated during compressing or processing activities
when measured at the nearest protected structure property line or
100 feet from the nearest protected structure (as measured to the
closest exterior point of the building), whichever is closer to the
protected structure, shall not exceed the average ambient noise level
(as determined by the seventy-two-hour evaluation) or default level,
whichever is higher:
[1] During operating activities, by more than seven
decibels during the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.;
[2] During operating activities, by more than five
decibels during the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.; or
[3] By more than 10 decibels during compressor startup
operations.
(b)
The oil/gas operator shall inform the Borough in writing of
which level (average ambient noise level or default level) is being
used.
(4)
The oil/gas operator shall provide for ongoing regular noise
level monitoring at a station to be located at or near the nearest
protected structure property line or 100 feet from the nearest protected
structure (as measured to the closest exterior point of the building),
whichever is closer to the protected structure. The noise monitoring
data acquired at this station shall be made available to the Borough
upon request.
(5)
Adjustments to the foregoing noise limits may be permitted in
accordance with the following:
Permitted Increase
(dBA)
|
Duration of Increase
(minutes)*
|
---|
5
|
15
|
10
|
5
|
15
|
1
|
20
|
1
|
*
|
Cumulative minutes during any one hour.
|
(6)
If a complaint is received by the Borough from any owner or
occupant of a protected structure for any lawful purpose, within 2,000
feet from the equipment generating noise during gas and/or oil well
production, compressing or processing activities, the oil/gas operator
shall, within 24 hours of receipt of the complaint from the Borough,
continuously monitor for a forty-eight-hour period at a point which
is the closer the complainant's building of:
(a)
The complainant's protected structure property line nearest
to the well site or equipment generating the noise; or
(b)
One hundred feet from the protected structure.
(7)
Once the monitoring is complete, oil/gas operator will provide
the monitoring data to the Borough within two business days and will
meet with Borough representatives and affected property owners and
will within one week of the meeting submit a noise abatement plan
to effectively mitigate any noise exceeding the permitted levels.
In determining the noise mitigation measures to be employed, the Borough
may, at the expense of the oil/gas operator, utilize the services
of a consultant with expertise in noise measurement, noise abatement
and gas and oil equipment operation.
(8)
Exhaust from any internal combustion engine or compressor used
in connection with the compressor station or processing plant operation
or used in development shall not be discharged into the open air unless
it is equipped with an exhaust muffler or an exhaust box. The exhaust
muffler or exhaust box shall be constructed of noncombustible materials
designed and installed to suppress noise and disruptive vibrations.
Moreover, all such equipment with an exhaust muffler or exhaust box
shall be maintained in good operating condition according to manufacturer's
specifications.
(9)
In cases where noise has exceed permitted levels and it is economically
feasible for gas and oil compressor station or processing plant equipment
to be outfitted with acoustic barrier insulation blankets or other
barriers, such barriers shall be installed in accordance with best
management practices in the industry; provided, however, that no such
acoustic barrier shall be required where its use would be contrary
to a preempted applicable state or federal regulation, or where its
use would create a safety hazard in the opinion of the Borough Engineer
or of any regulatory agency with jurisdiction.
(10)
The performance standards at Article
XI shall all be met, except where otherwise provided in §
205-443; including §
205-1105 and the Ordinance No. O42-2010, as may be amended. It shall be a condition of approval that the Borough may, before or after the operation commences, require acoustical blankets, sound walls, mufflers or alternative methods to mitigate noise impact on residentially zoned property. The Borough may retain a noise expert to assist in achieving such noise mitigation, the cost of which shall be paid by the applicant or oil/gas operator.
O. Off-street parking and loading requirements of Article
VIII shall apply, provided that the number of parking spaces shall be determined as follows:
(1)
Compressor station: minimum of five spaces for visitors and
maintenance vehicles.
(2)
Natural gas processing plant: One space for each employee on
a peak shift plus a minimum of five spaces designated for visitors.
P. Applicant shall provide adequate financial security, as determined
by the Borough Engineer, to ensure restoration of the natural gas
compressor station and/or natural gas processing plant once operations
cease for 18 months or more. Reapplication for conditional use approval
is required after a discontinuance of operations of 18 months or more.
Q. The application shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable application
fee of $5,000 or such other amount as may be set by resolution of
Borough Council.
R. Applicant shall separately be responsible for any other professional
review fees or costs incurred by the Borough in connection with its
review of the conditional use application or its component parts,
which may be required to be escrowed at the Borough's sole election.
S. Applicant and any subcontractors associated with the development
of a natural gas compressor station or natural gas processing plant
shall be required to sign, upon receiving conditional use approval,
a developers agreement, prepared by the Municipal Solicitor. Such
developers agreement shall contain the conditions of approval as granted
by Council and hold all parties responsible for compliance with those
conditions.
Production of monuments and storage of materials shall be contained
within indoor operations.
(Listed as separate line items on the Principal Land Use Table.)
A. Pedestrian walkways and loading areas shall be designed to be an
integral part of the surrounding street system and to minimize conflicts
with vehicles.
B. Dumpsters and service areas shall be screened from the public right-of-way
and not conflict with off-street parking associated with the use.
No dumpsters and/or service areas shall be located between the front
lot line of the lot and the front facade of the principal structure
in which it is located.
C. Outdoor storage of materials shall not be permitted.
D. A delivery plan for the use shall be submitted for Council approval.
A use not expressly listed within Chart C, may be considered for a special exception application
upon review and determination that the applicant's demonstration of
the proposed use:
A. Impacts the neighborhood and adjacent streets, circulation and lots
equal to or less than any use specifically listed in the zoning district.
In making such determination, the following characteristics shall
be considered:
(1)
The number/density of residents/employees.
(2)
The floor area of the building, gross area of the lot and/or
scale of development devoted to the proposed use.
(3)
The type of products, materials, equipment and/or processes
involved in the proposed use.
(4)
The magnitude of walk-in trade.
(5)
The traffic and environmental impacts and the ability of the
proposed use to comply with the performance standards of this chapter.
(7)
The extent of pervious and impervious surfaces in relationship
to that currently present on adjacent lots and the overall block in
which development, infill, reuse and/or redevelopment is proposed.
B. Elevations and site plans must be provided with the application.
C. Will not endanger the public health and safety if located where proposed
and that the use will not deteriorate the environment or generate
nuisance conditions such as traffic congestion, noise, dust, smoke,
glare or vibration.
D. Is in general conformity with the adopted Borough Comprehensive Plan
and harmony with the area in which it is proposed.
E. Complies with any applicable standards and criteria specified in
this chapter for the most nearly comparable conditional uses or use
by special exception specifically listed in the zoning district in
which it is proposed is in compliance with all other standards of
this chapter and all other applicable Borough ordinances.