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Gas Drilling Plans Heat Up Corinth Neighborhood

By BJ Austin, KERA News

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-896273.mp3

Dallas, TX – Gas drilling in Corinth is expected to bring a big crowd to City Hall tonight.

Council members are to vote on several "variances" to the city's drilling ordinance that would allow XTO Energy to drill closer than 600 feet from homes.

Mike Hanson lives in the neighborhood, and he says one variance would put a wastewater storage tank within 400 feet of his house.

Hanson: If we're going to put something like this in a residential area, that leaves no margin for error. So now is not the time to weaken our ordinances and put things closer to residential property.

Mayor Paul Ruggiere says he understands the concerns of neighbors. He says the city must balance neighborhood safety and quality with the rights of mineral owners.

Tonight's meeting starts at 5:30, with a presentation by neighbors.

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