CLEARFIELD – On Tuesday, the Clearfield County Commissioners approved an amendment to its current street addressing policy to include every local gas well site in an effort to increase safety measures as well as to maintain an inventory of them.
John D. Kaskan, director of Clearfield County Geographical Information System (GIS) Department, said the street addressing policy was last amended in the early 1990s. Since that time, he said there has been a local influx in gas well sites.
Commissioner Joan Robinson-McMillen said she brought it to the attention of Kaskan about a year ago. She learned that Williamsport had addressed each of its gas well sites. She emphasized that many site workers are not familiar with the county.
She then referenced a recent gas well blowout incident that occurred on Thursday, June 3 near the Moshannon State Forest. She said they were “fortunate” that the site was located on an addressed road and in a familiar area.
In addition, Commissioner Mark McCracken added that the county should have an inventory of the gas well site locations. He said they often receive inquiries about the number and locations of gas wells across the county. As a result, he said it would be an added benefit to not only have the database of information, but also to be better able to respond to emergencies.
Both Robinson-McMillen and McCracken indicated that the gas well companies are in favor of being given a street address. Kaskan said they have been working with the gas well companies in order to start the process. He said some already have been addressed.