(A) This subchapter applies to all oil or gas well sites, compressor stations, and natural gas processing facilities that will be permitted or constructed after the effective date of the subchapter. No oil or gas well or exploration of same of any type or nature shall be dug or drilled, nor shall any work in preparation therefore be commenced within the boundaries of township unless and until the owner or operator of such operation makes conditional use application in conformity with this subchapter.
(B) Oil or gas well sites, compressor stations, and natural gas processing facilities that were permitted or constructed prior to the adoption of this ordinance shall not be required to meet the requirements of this subchapter; provided that any modification to an existing or permitted oil or gas well site that occurs after the effective date of this ordinance and materially alters the size, type, location, number of wells and other accessory equipment or structures, or any physical modifications to an existing compressor station or natural gas processing facility shall require compliance with and approval under this subchapter.
(C) Certain federal and/or state laws or regulations preempt oil and gas ordinance requirements that conflict with same. The township acknowledges that it is pre-empted from regulating the operational methods of the oil and gas industry and may only regulate land uses in accordance with Pennsylvania law.
(D) All activities conducted in association with, and as a part of oil or gas well sites shall be in accordance with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Oil and Gas Act (Act 1984-223), as amended, and any other applicable federal, state, county and local laws.
(Ord. 3-2011, passed 2-6-2012)