Churchill bans fracking at former country club property, hands tied on boroughwide ban

Churchill council amended the borough's zoning code Monday to ban potential fracking at the former Churchill Valley Country Club property but allow it at large commercial sites, such as the former Westinghouse property.

The amendment, approved 6-0, would ban gas and oil well production in residential and smaller commercial zones.

Councilman Kevin Collins abstained.

More than 200 residents attended a public hearing before the council meeting and requested an outright ban.

Borough Solicitor Gavin Robb said state law mandates that fracking cannot be banned outright in a municipality and that it must be permitted in at least one zone. Council President Jay Dworin said he thinks council should operate within state laws.

Leasing letters that EQT sent to some homes near the former country club alarmed residents in Churchill and Penn Hills in September. Leaders from both municipalities say no applications to frack or drill were submitted in September. The country club is located in Penn Hills and Churchill.

EQT spokeswoman Linda Robertson said the company has been evaluating select parcels in eastern Allegheny County. She could not comment further.

Councilwoman Cheryl McAbee was in support of a ban.

“I don't believe EQT is going to come here and sue anybody,” she said. “They have plenty of other places to drill.”

The amendment bans drilling in C-2 commercial zones, which contain parcels of at least of 10,000 square feet. It allows drilling in C-1 commercial zones, which contain parcels of at least 20,000 square feet.

“C-2 is only half the battle,” Churchill resident James Hovan, 55, said. “C-1 is just as bad. It's still surrounded by homes, families and kids.”

The 158-acre former golf course, which closed in 2013, is located in a residential zone.

Kelsey Shea is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 412-320-7845 or kshea@tribweb.com.