Elizabeth Township OKs fracked wells near a school despite resident concern
Elizabeth Township Commissioners approved conditional use permits for an EQT natural gas well project despite resident concerns. During the meeting, commissioners also announced that the township has been approached for a data center development and plans to hold a public information session. This indicates a potential future data center project in the area.
Elizabeth Township's Board of Commissioners unanimously approved two conditional use permits for EQT's six-well Heracles natural gas project. The decision followed a three-year legal battle with the environmental group Protect Elizabeth Township and occurred despite resident objections regarding the project's proximity to Elizabeth Forward High School and concerns over air quality, environment, climate, and water withdrawals. The permits include stipulations, such as EQT contributing to a 10-year "emergency preparedness fund" for the township.
During the same meeting, Commission President Joshua Walls announced that the township has been approached for a data center development. Few details were provided, but Walls stated that the Board of Commissioners plans to host a public information session to understand the proposal, potential impacts, and implications for residents before forming conclusions. The gas well project's approval marks the likely final step for EQT's operation, after a previous permit was overturned by a state appellate court due to zoning violations.