Denton May Reduce Distance Between Gas Wells & Homes
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DENTON (CBS 11 NEWS) - The vote by Denton City Council Tuesday night could allow gas wells to be placed closer than they already are to private homes.
The city council is expected to reduce the city's setback distance for gas wells, at least in part; out of concern of further litigation.
Texas House Bill 40, that struck down the city's fracking ban, also requires local setback rules to be "commercially reasonable."
Councilman Kevin Roden said, "That's very ambiguous."
In 2013 the city increased its setback between gas wells and places like homes, businesses, and schools from 1,000 to 1,200 feet.
Tuesday council is expected reduce the setback back to at least 1,000 feet.
Roden said, "We are trying to figure out what the community wants and what the industry says is 'commercially reasonable' so we don't end up getting broiled in lawsuit after lawsuit after lawsuit."
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