Sponsors: Colver and Kvalheim
Amended by Substitution: 03/02/04
Amended: 03/02/04
Adopted: 03/02/04
Motion to Reconsider Failed: 03/02/04
 
MATANUSKA-SUSITNA BOROUGH
RESOLUTION SERIAL NO. 04-035(SUB)(AM)
 
A RESOLUTION OF THE MATANUSKA-SUSITNA BOROUGH ASSEMBLY MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNOR AND LEGISLATURE CONCERNING COAL BED METHANE LEGISLATION AND REGULATIONS.
 
WHEREAS, various bills have been introduced in the Alaska Legislature addressing shallow gas issues in the state of Alaska; and
WHEREAS, the public is concerned about surface impacts from coal bed methane activity on privately owned properties; and
WHEREAS, the Alaska State Department of Natural Resources is holding coal bed methane workshops to involve the public in making recommendations to state and local governments for the adoption of regulations; and
WHEREAS, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly supports best practices for coal bed methane exploration, drilling, and production operations.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly respectfully requests that the Governor and Legislature consider coal bed methane legislation that includes the following surface protections:
¥ noise mitigation requirements for compressor stations;
¥ minimum setbacks from residences and property lines for wellheads and compressor stations;
¥ require lessees to submit a master plan locating all facilities and improvements to afford the opportunity for comments by the public; and
¥ require safety buffers.
 
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly respectfully requests that coal bed methane legislation include the following surface landowner protections:
¥ surface owners should have the ability to negotiate fair and equitable terms for surface use of their property;
¥ require an Alaska State Department of Natural Resources and Alaska State Oil and Gas Conservation Commission permit before entry or construction upon on a privately owned parcel; the permit shall provide for negotiation and location of any improvements; and
¥ adequate bonding to make the surface landowner whole if water resources or other impacts to the property affects the use, enjoyment, and value of their property.
 
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly will support legislation that accomplishes the intent of this resolution.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly respectfully requests that coal bed methane legislation include the following subsurface and water quality protections:
 
¥ require regulations to be adopted by the Alaska State Oil and Gas Conservation Commission requiring:
o re-injection of produced water well below known drinking and agricultural water aquifers; and
o neutral party testing and monitoring at the expense of the state or developer of all re-injected fluids and drinking water before, during, and after drilling activity.
 
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly respectfully requests that the Alaska State Legislature amend State statutes to repeal the authority of the Commissioner of Natural Resources to override local government regulations.
ADOPTED by the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly this 2 day of March, 2004.
 

 
__________________________________
TIMOTHY L. ANDERSON, Borough Mayor
 
ATTEST:
 

 
____________________________________
SANDRA A. DILLON, CMC, Borough Clerk
 
(SEAL)
 
PASSED UNANIMOUSLY: Bush, Allen, Colberg, Kvalheim, Simpson, Colver, and Vehrs