When companies expressed interest in doing seismic testing in public property in Fairfield Township, the township supervisors realized they had no laws in place regulating that type of activity.
They immediately got on the fast track to correct that situation and on Monday adopted an ordinance that governs seismic testing on township property, including roads, highways and real estate.
The ordinance, which goes into effect five days after adoption, requires a permit for any seismic testing done on township property and spells out permit application procedures, terms of permits, general parameters for seismic operations and for notifying property owners if testing is to be done near their property.
It defines energy level restrictions related to the different types of testing, sets hours for the testing to be performed and addresses land and right-of-way restoration, traffic flow, vehicle load limits and other issues related to the activity.
According to township Solicitor J. Michael Wiley, one of the important components of the ordinance is the requirement that seismic testing companies provide proof of bonding and insurance before they can do business in the township.
The ordinance also allows township supervisors to monitor seismic testing activity while it is occurring in the township, he said.
Although no testing permits have been requested so far, some interest in testing has been shown, Wiley said.
The ordinance will provide the township with a level of protection it did not previously have, he said.
