Moon Supervisors Hire Special Counsel for Marcellus Shale Ordinance

The Moon Board of Supervisors on Wednesday night hired the Pittsburgh-based Tucker Arensberg law firm to revise the township's oil and gas drilling ordinances.

In an effort to prepare Moon for future Marcellus Shale drilling, attorneys from the firm will expand the township's drilling ordinances to include specific guidelines on how drilling may impact road maintenance and noise level, among other factors. 

No companies have begun to drill for Marcellus Shale gas in Moon. 

"People are confused," said Supervisor Frank Sinatra. "They feel that this board isn't doing anything, like Marcellus shale is on the verge of taking over Moon Township. That's not the case." 

Babst, Calland, Clements & Zomnir is the township's solicitor and represents it on other legal matters. Citing a conflict of interest, the firm recused itself earlier this year from representing the township on affairs related to Marcellus Shale drilling. 

The board is expected to vote on the ordinances in several weeks. 

Also Wednesday night, the board responded to a last month from Moon Police Chief Leo McCarthy by discussing possible parking restrictions on Patton, Springer and Bradley drives.

In other business, the board:

• Discussed new landscaping for the area between the township Municipal Building and the Public Safety Building at 1000 Beaver Grade Road. In addition to planning the township's , the board also is considering a small rain garden as well as new landscaping and signs for the front of the building. 
• Heard township engineer Malcolm Petroccia report that the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protectionhas contacted NewPointe Realty, the Moon-based developer that Petroccia said installed a faulty storm water basin, causing on Flaugherty Run Road. Petroccia said the DEP wants NewPointe Realty to begin correcting the problem by the end of the month. 
• Accepted the resignation of Melissa Macri from the Board and appointed Joseph Kranyak to fill the position.