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Resolution Opposing Oil Exploration and Drilling in Scio Township, Michigan
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Whereas, Oil exploration and drilling is proposed in Scio Township within two miles from the Ann Arbor city limits and less than one mile from the Huron River (MDEQ permit application #AI40053);
Whereas, Oil exploration and drilling can produce significant air pollution, heavy truck traffic and the risk for the release of hazardous substances above and below ground which have the possibility of traveling into or impacting the City of Ann Arbor or its primary source of drinking water, the Huron River;
Whereas, The citizens of Ann Arbor have a quality of life which is profoundly enhanced by its natural attributes such as the Huron River's recreational opportunities, its provision of municipal drinking water, and its scenic character, which could all be at risk from the said oil exploration and drilling;
Whereas, The Constitution of the State of Michigan calls for "the protection of the air, water and other natural resources of the state from pollution, impairment and destruction";
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor already prohibits "locating, sinking, drilling, casing, deepening or operating of oil wells, gas wells, and oil and gas wells and test holes for the location of natural crude oil or natural dry gas" within the City limits;
Whereas, The Michigan Zoning Enabling Act (Act 110) of 2006 specifically removed the right to "regulate or control the drilling, completion, or operation of oil or gas wells" from counties and townships;
Whereas, Although representatives of West Bay Exploration have indicated they would be willing to include a prohibition on hydraulic fracturing in future leases, such a provision may not have been included in all leases signed to date.
Whereas, In October 2013 the Ann Arbor Environmental Commission passed a resolution calling for a statewide and national moratorium on horizontal hydraulic fracturing for natural gas;
Whereas, The effects of the proposed petroleum drilling on the Pall/Gelman 1-4 Dioxane plume are unknown and could impact the dispersion of the plume;
RESOLVED, The City Council expresses its opposition to opposes said oil exploration and drilling, and any future oil exploration and drilling in areas adjacent or in close proximity to the City of Ann Arbor;
RESOLVED, The City requests that the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality require an environmental impact assessment, including impacts to surrounding natural resources, and public health, safety and welfare, prior to final agency decision making on permit application #AI40053;
RESOLVED, The Ann Arbor City Council expresses its support for a statewide and national moratorium on horizontal hydraulic fracturing for natural gas and oil until such time as it can be shown to be safe for the environment and a thorough regulatory framework is established to ensure safety and disclosure; and
RESOLVED, The Ann Arbor City Council hereby requests that the State of Michigan strengthen the ability of local units of government to safeguard the public health, safety, and welfare by amending the Zoning Enabling Act to expand the power of local units of government to regulate drilling, mining, and other extractive industries within their jurisdictions;
RESOLVED, The City Clerk shall distribute copies of this resolution to State Representatives Zemke, Irwin, Rutledge, and Driskell and State Senators Warren and Richardville; Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Director Dan Wyant; and Director of Office of Oil, Gas, and Minerals Harold Fitch.
Sponsored by: Councilmembers Warpehoski, Briere and Taylor